Tobey Maguire and Sam Raimi are looking to spin more webs for
Sony's Columbia Pictures.
The actor and helmer are said to be close to locking in a deal to
return for the fourth and fifth installments of the studio's
top-grossing "Spider-Man" franchise, with Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad
producing.
"Spider-Man" is Sony's most successful movie franchise; the first
three films have grossed $2.5 billion worldwide.
Although there has been speculation whether Maguire would return to
play Peter Parker, the studio said there was no question he would
be back.
"The studio never considered any other actor. Tobey was our only
choice and the only person we've discussed the role with," Sony
spokesman Steve Elzer said.
The studio declined comment on what villains might appear in the
next two films or whether Kirsten Dunst would reprise her role as
Mary Jane Watson, though it is hoped she will follow Maguire's lead
and return.
