• Is SPIDER-MAN 4 delayed indefinitely?

    James Wallace

    by: James Wallace
    December 17th, 2009

    SAMRAIMI

    I’m not sure how much clout there is to this story, but IESB is reporting that an exclusive, as-yet-unnamed, inside source has told them that SPIDER-MAN 4 has been delayed for the time being…indefinitely. According to the source, a few key department heads currently working on the early stages of film were made aware of the halted production last Thursday. Apparently the main reasoning behind this forced hiatus is the current state of the script (unfinished) – specifically that the film’s villain has not yet been decided upon, which is said to have caused a rift between Sony Pictures and director Sam Raimi. One of the sources added that these negotiations are not being handled in the most cordial of ways.

    As we told you last week, it is being rumored that Raimi is pushing for The Vulture, along with a brand new villain, the female sidekick The Vulturess, while it is said that Sony wants whatever villain is selling the most comic books right now. Seems familiar, doesn’t it? Well, it should be, as a similar tiff occurred on SPIDER-MAN 3, as Raimi even then wanted The Vulture, yet Sony wanted Venom. I think we all know now who won that battle. It most certainly was not the audience.

    While there have been known issues with the script, as it has changed hands between several notable writers, I imagine that this is not as serious as it has been made out to be. With the insane amount of money the SPIDER-MAN franchise has brought Sony thus far, along with the tentative release date of May 5th, 2011, I’d say the studio is likely willing to do whatever they can to get Spidey swinging as soon as possible.

    As a side note – and I know I may get some heat for this – but I’d love to see a total regime change on this series. Do not misunderstand. I am a devout follower of the church of Raimi. I’m just ready to see someone else take on this story. And while we’re at at, why not someone new to take on the role of Spidey himself? Then give him someone new to take on. Oh, and while we’re cleaning the house of spider-webs, hows about replacing Kirsten Dunst as MJ with someone who actually exhibits the qualities of the character from the comics. Just a thought. What do you think?

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    • michaelgregorash
      You know who should be playing Mary Jane? Mary Elizabeth Winstead - a wonderfully talented actress who can actually act, truly looks the part and has MJ's spunk (need proof? Go watch "Life Free or Die Hard" and then come talk to me afterwards).
    • That's a very interesting casting suggestion. My first thought is that she does not have the look. But at the same time, a look can be changed. If she has what it takes to play MJ, then she could be right for the role.

      I'd just much rather see an actress that has the firey red hair, voluptuous look and spunk to boot. MJ is supposed to be strong willed, there to challenge Parker/Spidey as a human and a hero. Not just always be a damsel in distress, who acts frail as Dunst does.
    • dustinflynn
      I would rather there be another director just so we can see Raimi do more non-Spiderman stuff.

      SM3 was so terrible that I don't really care if they are not going to make another one, I'd rather them not. SM2 was so good its pretty disgusting (as far as movies go) to see how far the quality dropped.
    • Yeah, after 2 being so good and 3 being so not, my love for Raimi's take on Spidey was crushed a little. That's not to say that I can't be won back over but it would take SPIDER-MAN 4 being purely epic, akin to the way 2 was. I'm not sure with the villains he has left to choose from that he can do this. He really blew his web load on Venom/Black Suit Spider-Man, which could have provided for a very interesting battle for both Parker internally and Spidey externally. Hopefully after getting back to his roots a bit with DRAG ME TO HELL, Raimi is recharged to bring us a spectacular SPIDER-MAN 4

      My main complaint about this whole series is I haven't felt that the character or his journey have progressed. Maguire is the same Parker/Spidey he was in 1. He's no longer right for the role in the sense of where the character SHOULD be after 3 films. This being the main reason I'd love to see a new Spidey, a new director and an over-all new take on the tale.
    • hammonds
      Mary Jane should be played by Amy Adams or Isla Fisher and there should definitely be a new director but i'm not sure who would do the best job but maybe tarrintino or steven Soderbergh and as far as the villains are concerned i think they should be Kingpin, Lizard, Kraven, and chameleon and black cat too. But she isn't really as much a villain as the others.
    • I completely agree with you on the choice of Fisher or Adams as MJ. They have the look and the firecracker attitude of MJ. Two major qualities of which Dunst possesses neither.

      I respectfully disagree on Soderbergh and Tarantino. As much as I'd love to see either of these directors tackle a superhero film, I think someone like David Fincher would be better for Spidey. He comes from the same league as those guys but I think his style is better suited for the job.

      I also think they should focus on one villain VS. many. That was the downfall of SPIDER-MAN 3, as well as many other comic book films, in that they tried to pack in TOO many villains with TOO many storylines.

      I'd love to see Lizard, especially if it meant that Dylan Baker finally got his dues. I also love the idea of Malkovich as The Vulture.

      Lets hope we just get to see a 4 at all. And let's hope it's actually good.
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