According to Nikki Finke at DeadlineHollywood both star Tobey Maguire and director Sam Raimi will be returning to make Zodiac screenwriter Jamie Vanderbilt's script of Spider-Man 4.Sources tell me that Sony has recently locked in both veterans of Spider-Man 1 through 3. And I do mean recently because just a few weeks ago sources told me that Sony Pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal was openly discussing Tobey's potential replacements with various Hollywood agents because Tobey was hanging tough about a deal. "She was looking around to cover herself because Sony wanted him badly and Tobey wasn't sure he wanted to do it," an insider explained to me. There's no deal yet for Kirsten Dunst but Mary Jane Watson will be in the movie again. I'm told Sony "would never recast her" despite her rehab problems. But expect another gal part, too.Finke's source also tells her that Sony is seriously considering doing 4 and 5 back to back in order to ensure the same creative team and save on costs.
I'm also told that, right now, the studio is trying to figure out if it can feasibly shoot Spider-Man 4 and 5 at the same time because doing that is so cost effective and "it wasn't so easy to get everybody back together".The Lizard is expected to be the villain for part 4, but no word if they want Dylan Baker to reprise his role as Doc Conner's, who in the comics turns in to the Lizard.
Sam we at Flicks News still love you but if this turns out to be true and your back in charge, please don't fuck it up! We have absolute faith you will redeem the franchise after a shoddy third and show the quality you used in Spider-man 1 & 2 and the other classics you have directed and just basically raise the game with Spidey 4 and give the fans what they want and deserve.
