I imagine most of you are aware of the sad news by now, but just in
case you hadn’t heard, Spider-Man
4 isn’t happening:
A few days after script issues pushed it off the May
2011 calendar, Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today
that Spider-Man 4 ain’t gonna happen at all, and that the franchise
will eventually reboot featuring Peter Parker as a teenager.
Meaning original principals Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, as well
as Spider-Man 1-3 director Sam Raimi, are out.“We’re very excited about the creative possibilities that come from
returning to Peter’s roots and we look forward to working once again
with Marvel Studios, [producers] Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin on this new
beginning,” said Sony Pictures cochair Amy Pascal.
Spidey joins the distinguished line of comic properties (like Batman,
Superman, the Punisher) that will undergo reboots after a relatively
short span of time following the originals.
The official story points to “script issues,” but I think other
factors were at play. As a public service, I felt I should put them
out there for the greater good.
5. Spidey Didn’t Have Any Decent Villains Left
Spider-Man has a pretty extensive rogue’s gallery, but the first three
movies exhausted most of the top tier (Green Goblin, Dr. Octopus,
Venom, Sandman). I admit, the Lizard (AKA Dr. Curt Connors, played by
Dylan Baker in 2 and 3) would be cool to see, but
who else is left? The Vulture (an old guy who can fly)? Mysterio
(ex-stuntman with a globe for a head)? Carnage (annoying Venom
ripoff)? Shit, just use Morbius the Living Vampire and snag those
sweet Twilight fan dollars.
4. No More Decent Roles for Stan Lee
After playing “Man in Fair,” “Man Dodging Debris,” and “Man in Times
Square,” they’ve obviously exhausted The Man’s acting capabilities.
3. The Simmering Adultery Scandal
In news that mirrors the recent development in Tiger Woods’ life,
Peter Parker has been romantically linked not only to Gwen Stacy, but
also Betty Brant, Felicia “Black Cat” Hardy, Jessica “Spider Woman”
Drew, Jean Grey, and Angelina Jolie.
2. Kirsten Dunst’s Teeth Reaching Point of No Return
The actor who plays Mary Jane has always been defiant about her uneven
toofuses, but executives at Sony have access to highly advanced
computer software that make it apparent future movies with Dunst as
the romantic lead would be near impossible:
Dunst in 2006:
Dunst in 2012 (projected):
1. Cinematic Perfection Has Already Been Achieved
Let’s face it, Sam Raimi may have the Evil Dead movies under
his belt already, but he’ll never again reach the directorial heights
he scaled with Emo Peter Parker.
This article appears in Jan 7-13, 2010.
