We've been obsessing over this Spider-Man reboot, directed by Marc Webb, starring Andrew Garfield and due July 2012. So here's all the lasting casting news and scoop:
Editor-in-Chief J. Jonah Jameson won't be around to guide Peter Parker (January, 2011)? Who's going to give our upstart young photographer with a knack for catching the webbed superhero his start? You might remember actor J.K. Simmons as the cantakerous head of the Daily Bugle from the earlier Sam Raimi installments. While there were early rumors that Mad Men's John Slattery or Sam Elliott were vying for the role, reports now claim that the role won't be appearing in Marc Webb's version at all. We can't help but wonder who's going to guide Peter Parker and help bring news of this elusive crime fighter to the public. Newspapers are struggling after all...maybe there will be an online version?
Denis Leary gets down to business on the set (Jan. 18, 2011): George Stacy is on the case. More pics from the set of the highly anticipated remake have surfaced, and this time we're getting a look at the Rescue Me star all copped out. We're wondering if Captain Stacy is hot in pursuit of The Lizard (Rhys Ifans) here, or if his daughter—and Spidey love interest—Gwen (Emma Stone) is in some sort of danger. Either way, with more pics coming out seemingly every week, our anticipation is rising steadily.
C. Thomas Howell Cast as...somebody named Ray?! (Jan. 11, 2011): For those too young to remember, the actor starred in such '80s hits as The Outsiders and Red Dawn and was actually kinda like the, well, Andrew Garfield of his day. But exactly who Howell will be playing here remains a bit of a mystery since all we know is that his character's name is Ray. The only "Ray" we could find within the Spider-Man canon is Ray Cooper, the father of Carlie, Peter Parker's current love interest in the latest comic books. And seeing how Peter's gal in the movie will be Gwen Stacy, that one seems unlikely, so we're left with nothing but speculation for now. Could Ray be the mugger behind Uncle Ben's death? Does he work alongside Rhys Ifans' Dr. Curt Connors/The Lizard? Your guess is as good as ours.
Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone Get Cozy On the Set (January, 2011): Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy don't seem shy about their attraction. We're getting one of our first looks at the two in costume, as the stars were snapped filming a romantic scene at a Los Angeles football stadium. The two got flirty and even shared a kiss on what we're guessing are the bleachers for Midtown High School. Ah, young Spidey love. Too bad the pressures of adulthood and, you know, being a superhero, soon rear their head.
Peter Parker's high school nemesis Flash Thompson comes aboard (Dec., 10, 2010): Chris Zylka has joined the Spider-Man reboot as standout footbal star and Peter Parker classmate Flash Thompson. Ironically, Flash is known for both routinely bullying Parker, calling him "Puny Paker," and for being an ardant supporter and fan of Spider-Man. Irony that isn't lost on our superhero.
Campbell Scott and Julianne Nicholson cast as Spidey's parents (Dec. 3, 2010): Spider-Man's family is finally getting some screen time. Scott (Roger Dodger) and Nicholson (Law and Order: Criminal Intent) are set to appear as Peter Parker's parents. Until now, the superhero's mom and dad have only been mentioned in previous films, but this latest installment will mark the first time caregivers other than Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May are featured.
Also, in other good-guy news:
Denis Leary joins cast as George Stacy (Nov. 17, 2010): The star of Rescue Me is set to take on the role of police captain George Stacy, who also happens to be the father of Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), our webbed hero's love interest. In the comics, the elder Stacy is a strong supporter of both Spider-Man and of his daughter's relationship with Peter Parker.
Our Hero Won't Be Saving Mary Jane Watson (Nov. 5, 2010): After some initial confusion, it was revealed that Emma Stone would not be playing the beloved leading lady. Instead, she'd be playing Gwen Stacy. Of course, this resulted in speculation as to what role she'd be playing in the reboot. The answer: none. It's been revealed that Mary Jane is not and never was featured in writer James Vanderbilt's screenplay. Guess Gwen won't have to worry about any competition.
Martin Sheen Cast as Uncle Ben (Nov. 4, 2010): For once a Sheen family member other than Charlie is making the news. The former West Wing president signs on to play our hero Peter Parker's uncle in the upcoming reboot.
Spider-Man Will Battle The Lizard (Oct. 13, 2010): The Spider-Man reboot finally gets its villain. After 48 hours of speculation following the announcement that Rhys Ifans would be the actor going head-to-head with our webbed hero, it's announce that he'll be portraying Dr. Curt Connors, aka The Lizard, a scientist who ingested some experimental reptile serum. Aside from turning him in a reptile, it kinda made him mad, too.
Rhys Ifans Cast as the Spidey Villain (Oct. 11, 2010): Much wondering and online guessing is finally put to rest when it's announced that British actory Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) has been cast to battle Spidey on the big screen.
Emma Stone Cast as Gwen Stacy (Oct. 5, 2010): Who is Spider-Man's true love? Mary Jane Watson or Gwen Stacy? It's a debate that's been going on in the comic world for years. Seems the filmmakers wanted to reignite the controversy and announced that Gwen would be our superhero's ladylove for the film's reboot.
Emma Stone Confirmed as Love Interest (Oct. 4, 2010): Fresh off her star turn in Easy A, this proved that Stone's Hollywood star is rising. Immediately, the speculation began as to who she'd play. Naturally, people immediately jumped to the Mary Jane Watson conclusion, but not so fast...
Spider-Man Is in the Building (July 1, 2010): With Tobey Maguire no longer set to don the red and blue Spidey suit, the filmmakers announce that British newcomer Andrew Garfield will be taking up the webbed mantle. Despite his unknown status at the time of the announcement, Garfield quickly proved himself a capable actor, appearing in the acclaimed Never Let Me Go and as Mark Zuckerberg's business parter, Eduardo Saverin in The Social Network.
Spidey Will Be in 3-D (Feb. 10, 2010): RIght in line with the trend toward three-dimensional viewing experiences, Sony, the studio behind the reboot announces that "Spider-Man is the ultimate summer moviegoing experience, and we're thrilled the filmmakers are presenting the next installment in 3-D." The question arises though: Will 3-D still be as popular as it is today when Spidey htis theaters in 2012? Or will the fad have fizzled by that time?
Marc Webb Comes Aboard as New Director (Jan., 19, 2010): When you're in the market for a director and you've planned a huge, CGI-filled action extravaganza, who do you turn to? You go with the guy who directed (500) Days of Summer and an episode of The Office, naturally. We aren't saying Webb isn't up for the job. It's just that previous director Sam Raimi's earlier three installments are going to be some tough shoes to fill.
Spider-Man 4 Is No More (January 2010): Though rumors had been swirling for ages about how the fourth installment would take shape, seemingly out of the blue, it's announced that none of the previous cast, Tobey Maguire, James Franco and Kirsten Dunst would be involved in the fourth movie. Even director Sam Raimi, the guiding force behind the movies wouldn't be returning. Instead, fans are told to expect a complete reboot of the beloved superhero franchise.