In Development
Spidey 4 and 5 Could Be Filmed Simultaneously
Posted by Nathan Deen (nathan@filmschoolrejects.com) on May 18, 2008
As if we were actually anxious to find out what happens to Peter Parker, Erik Davis over at Cinematical got the inside scoop that the next two Spider-man sequels could be shot simultaneously, much like the way the Wachowski’s did the final two Matrix films. Seriously, I don’t see why this is news to be excited over. How can the franchise possibly recover from the disappointing Spider-man 3. Not only that, the ending of that film seems like it would mark the conclusion to the franchise. It just won’t be the same without Harry Osborne.
The good news is a finished draft of a proposed Spider-man 4 script has been turned in by well known scribe James Vanderbilt, who wrote the excellent screenplay to Zodiac. At the very least, the films are in the hands of a good writer. However, it is still unclear as to whether or not the big three (Sam Raimi, Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst) will return for two more films. I don’t care if they’re written and directed by the Coen Brothers, if they don’t come back, then these films should never see the light of day.
Apparently, the screenplay turned in by Vanderbilt will allow the studio to put the fifth film into production at the same time, which suggest that the story will expand over two movies instead of giving us the villain(s) of the week.
According to the source of the scoop, “his story arc has encompassed two films, making Spider-man 5 shootable at the same time.” The source also reports that both sides, Vanderbilt and the studio, are still trying to negotiate a deal.
Sound Off: What do you think about Spidey 4 and 5 being shot together?
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3 Comments
May 19th, 2008 at 10:52 am
I honestly don’t mind this. Raimi did a good job with the first film and a great job with the second, but losing him for future movies wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Maguire and Dunst aren’t essential either. I don’t think the right response to the disappointing Spider-Man 3 is to just stop making the movies altogether; Spider-Man is a beloved franchise, and people would still go see the fourth and fifth movies. If Raimi and Maguire couldn’t get it right, give someone else the opportunity.
May 19th, 2008 at 11:24 am
I respectfully disagree about the main cast returning. Sam Raimi bungled part 3 so bad I can’t forgive him. When stepping back and looking at the series as a whole, there is very little growth between films. Too much is repeated. Its time for fresh blood.
Tobey Maguire has gotten too whiney and while he’s a pretty good Parker, he’s not good enough to justify a $17+million contract. Kirsten Dunst was miscast from the start and doesn’t deserve her multi-million dollar contract either. If these stars want out so bad, let them go. There are plenty of talented actors and directors out there who can take this over.
I’m all for 4 and 5, and 6 and 7 and 8, as long as Marvel stays serious. After what they’ve done with Iron Man, I only expect the Spider-Man films to get better.
May 19th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I always wonder what the series would’ve been like with Jake Gyllenhaal, and not Tobey Maguire. There’s not a doubt in my mind that it would’ve been an upgrade.