For years it has been the norm for blockbuster scripts to go through a variety of writers before they start shooting. Many, such as the upcoming Men In Black 3, are still being scribbled as production gets underway. So we’re not surprised to see Transformers / Star Trek duo Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci being hired to cook up the second draft of the Amazing Spider-Man sequel.
Sony is clearly intent on keeping the pedal to the metal on the follow-up, despite Marc Webb’s first effort still waiting to swing into cinemas (it arrives on July 4).** Zodiac**’s James Vanderbilt, who is credited on that movie’s script alongside the likes of Spider-regular Alvin Sargent and Harry Potter veteran Steve Kloves, wrote the first draft of the sequel, but is now busy polishing up White House Down for the studio, hence Kurtzman and Orci jumping aboard.
The pair is likely to be a divisive choice: while they certainly have their fans, the scripts for such movies as Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen and Cowboys & Aliens haven’t been as well received. Some people enjoy their blockbuster writing - Star Trek was great, after all - but others are less convinced. Still, there’s no denying they have big film experience.
You can put** Amazing Spider-Man** producer Matt Tolmach squarely into the "fan" category: “Alex and Bob have a unique ability to write great character and spectacular action that makes them pitch perfect for Spider-Man. They’ve been friends of ours for a long time and they have an exciting take on the franchise – we’re thrilled to have them join the Spider-Ma****n family,” he says. The sequel is currently scheduled for May 2, 2014.
Kurtzman and Orci's work will next be seen in Kurtzman’s directing debut People Like Us and next year’s Star Trek sequel, which they co-wrote with Damon Lindelof. They’ve also been producing a lot lately, including magician heist thriller Now You See Me and sci-fi book adaptation Ender’s Game.