A week ago, we reported that it was possible that Spider-Man 4 and 5 could be filmed at the same time, due to a continuity in the storyline. The latest news coming this time out of Marvel suggests that Sony could very well be gearing up for a 2010 or 2011 release of a Spider-Man 4 movie.
Speaking during the week, Marvel Vice Chairman Peter Cuneo was asked about the possible status of a fourth installment to the Spider-Man franchise. He confirmed that Sony has indeed made the payment to review their rights to make the film.
“As far as Spider-man 4, it’s really up to Sony, it’s up to them, most likely scenario is 2010 or 2011 but we can’t speak for them and I think, that we don’t know. They have given us their re-up payment for that film so you know they’re going to make it within a reasonable timeframe. Sony may be looking at some issues with the cast and so on, I think they have to make some decisions.”
A re-up of their rights means that Sony now has a timeframe and deadline on which to meet, so we could very well see production begin on a fourth movie by the end of this year, or early next year. But it is unlikely that many of the original cast from the first trilogy will return.
IESB noted in their report that the “tone of Cuneo’s voice when talking about the status seemed to emphasize that Sony needed to make some decisions regarding casting before they could move forward.” This would back up suggestions that Maguire, Dunst, etc, will not return: one can only hope!
Pingback: ‘Spider-Man 4′ To Arrive May 2011