Sony has been ticking all the trend boxes with regards to Spider-Man. Reboot? Check. Buzzed-about indie director given the reigns of a franchise? Double check. And now, as the studio announces that its new take on the character will be shot in 3D. And there you have the triple, ladies and germs. Colour us whatever "unsurprised" runs on the ol' Pantone chart.
Chairman Jeff Blake put out a press release yesterday with word that the currently untitled film – being directed by Marc Webb from James Vanderbilt’s script – is arriving in cinemas on July 3 2012.
“Spider-Ma****n is the ultimate summer movie-going experience, and we’re thrilled the filmmakers are presenting the next instalment in 3D,” blabbed Blake. “Spider-Man is one of the most popular characters in the world, and we know audiences are eager and excited to discover Marc’s fantastic vision for Peter Parker and the franchise.”
Now, is it just us, or does this somehow not fit in with the official line on the Spider-Man revamp so far? We've been told that the action element will be downplayed; that the budget is only around $80 million (which would just about pay for craft services on Spider-Man 3); that the focus will be on characters rather than eye-popping action... and now it's going to be in 3D? It doesn't seem like the best fit. After all, conversations between mopey lovelorn teens are still going to be conversations between mopey lovelorn teens, no matter how dimensions they're projected in.
And talking of Peter Parker, there’s still no word on who will be filling Spidey’s costume, but all we do know is they’ll have to be high school age. Or at least be able to fake it. Zac Efron, put your hand down.