Sony reportedly gutted the Spider-Man franchise of its talent, and scrapped its 2011 release, to further the 3D evolution of film. Rumors said that Raimi didn’t know what to do, or perhaps just didn’t care, about the up-convesion of his fourth Spider-Man. So now Sony’s gone out on a limb with a full reboot, all in hopes of tapping some Avatar-level excitement. They’re betting the bank on the technology – that 3D technology may well matter more to viewers than the story, or its actors. It’s a big gamble, and here’s hoping – for Sony’s sake – that the dramatic change of course was worth it.
I’ve been flirting with the idea of adding Spidey to the list of things that are dead to me:
- LOLCats
- MySpace
- Shia LaBoeuf
- Jay Leno
- Spider-Man
But then again, it’s so much fun to watch the Spider-Man franchise wither in agony. So, to further our Spider-Man Death Watch, here is the potentially irrelevant news that Sony intends to release Spider-Man 4 in 3D in the summer of 2012.
I have a feeling that even an extra dimension won’t cover the damage – it’ll only bring it closer to your face.
(More on Techland: Spidey Death Watch: Why Lerman (and Zac Efron) Would Ruin Peter Parker)
Says Sony:
Spider-Man will swing into theaters worldwide in 3D beginning July 3, 2012, it was announced today by Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing & Distribution. The new film which is still untitled, will begin production later this year directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt. Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin will produce the film from Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios.
Commenting on the announcement, Blake said, “Spider-Man is the ultimate summer movie-going experience, and we’re thrilled the filmmakers are presenting the next installment in 3D. Spider-Man is one of the most popular characters in the world, and we know audiences are eager and excited to discover Marc’s fantastic vision for Peter Parker and the franchise.”
More on Techland:
Death of a Superhero Franchise In 20 Easy Steps: Spider-Man Edition
Top 10 Worst Superhero Movies of the Decade
But Wait: James Cameron Almost Saved Spider-Man 18 Years Ago