Columbia spins two more "Spider-Man" sequels
Posted: 09 September 2008 1301 hrs

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LOS ANGELES – Spider-Man will soon be swinging onto the silver screens again.

Sony's Columbia Pictures will produce two sequels to "Spider-Man", the profitable movie franchise about the web-slinging superhero.

Columbia plans to shoot the new instalments of “Spider-Man” successively next year to cut budget. Co-producer Laura Ziskin said that “Spider-Man 4” is tentatively scheduled for a 2011 release.

Sam Raimi, director of the previous “Spider-Man” movies, is signed on to helm the two sequels.

The original Peter Parker, Tobey Maguire, will also don the Spider-Man suit again in the new instalments.

Sony spokesman Steve Elzer said, “The studio never considered any other actor. Tobey was our only choice and the only person we've discussed the role with.”

The studios declined comment on whether Kirsten Dunst will reprise her role as Peter Parker’s girlfriend, Mary Jane Watson.

“Venom”, a spin-off of “Spider-Man”, is also in the works. “Venom” was played by Topher Grace in “Spider-Man 3”, but his casting is uncertain as the studios have doubts about him headlining a blockbuster.

“Spider-Man” is Sony’s most successful movie franchise, with the first three movies grossing a combined US$2.5 billion worldwide.

- CNA/sl