Schedules are being shuffled around for the summer of 2011 and it’s all because of SPIDER-MAN 4. The movie, which was scheduled to be released on May 6, 2011, hit a little snag in its production. It was announced yesterday that Sam Raimi and Sony are at odds over some aspects of the script (it looks like Raimi wants to fix what’s wrong with the franchise, while Sony wants to make SPIDER-MAN 3 again), putting in question whether the May 6th deadline will be met.

While the situation deteriorates for Spidey, other studios are not resting on their laurels. Paramount has announced that THOR, which was scheduled to be released on May 20, 2011, has been moved up two weeks into SPIDER-MAN’s spot. Good news for Paramount, but bad for Sony because if they make their deadline they’ll now be competing against THOR on opening weekend.

Disney also did some announcing. After Paramount moved THOR, Disney gave May 20th to PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES. Up until now, the film’s release date had not been announced and it was smart of them to move into the open spot. The summer is always an extremely competitive season for movies and opening on a weekend that has few similar releases is a good way to make a lot of money right out of the gate since tickets sales usually start to decline by the second week.

I guess the only question is what will happen to SPIDER-MAN 4? I’m guessing the studio will try to keep its original deadline, but it probably doesn’t matter too much since the film will make a ton of money regardless of the date.

Source Variety