The aptly named Webb issued this statement: “This is a dream come true and I couldn’t be more aware of the challenge, responsibility, or opportunity. Sam Raimi’s virtuoso rendering of Spider-Man is a humbling precedent to follow and build upon. The first three films are beloved for good reason. But I think the Spider-Man mythology transcends not only generations but directors as well. I am signing on not to ‘take over’ from Sam. That would be impossible. Not to mention arrogant. I’m here because there’s an opportunity for ideas, stories, and histories that will add a new dimension, canvas, and creative voice to Spider-Man.”
This reboot will reportedly emphasize the human element of the superhuman drama and focus on Peter Parker’s guilt over failing to prevent the violent crime that took his uncle’s life, the psychological complex that eventually inspires his crime-fighting career. So it makes perfect sense that Sony would turn to a director whose vision of an emotionally tortured young man made last year’s comedy (500) Days of Summer an independent movie hit.
The Hollywood Reporter indicates that Sony and Webb intend to populate the cast with relative unknowns, and the script, penned by Jamie Vanderbilt, takes its cues from the “Ultimate Spider-Man” comics by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley. The projected budget is $80 million.
