2014 marked the end (?) of The Amazing Spider-Man franchise. While this may come as a gift to some, it came to me as horror. As a huge fan of the series, yes I even liked the second one, I was very excited to see how Sony Pictures bounced back following the second film’s failure.
Well, as it turns out, we probably will not see another Amazing Spider-Man film. Out with the new, in with the newer, it seems. I have seen countless of fan-fictions, editorials (of which I am guilty… Twice) discussing what should happen next with the Spider-Man franchise. However, to quote Princess Elsa of Arendelle, “Here I stand,” ready and anticipating to share my cast, and potential story ideas for either a Marvel Studios reboot, or another Sony Pictures reboot.
So, grab yourself whatever you want: fish and chips, a coke, a popsicle, a severed head (click the red thumb below if you understood that literary technique, bitch) or whatever, and enjoy the ride.
Timeline/Plan:
First Film: Spider-Man (November 2018)
Influences: The Spectacular Now, Chronicle, The Fly
It has been four years since Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider, and turned into New York City’s greatest protector, The Spectacular Spider-Man! Juggling his girlfriend, Gwen Stacy, his Aunt May, his life in college, his job and the responsibilities of being the hero the city needs, life can be pretty tough for Parker. But when Peter, unknowingly, creates his greatest enemy yet, his world becomes even more upside down.
Second Film: The Web of Spider-Man (April 2020)
Influences: Se7en, The Dark Knight, Body of Lies
After defeating The Green Goblin, and facing the death of his role model, Norman Osborn in the process. Peter Parker must put his friend Harry Osborn, who’s in deep depression first, and his life as Spider-Man second. When Peter meets a new boy at his college, a freshman, Maxwell Dillon, who reminds him of himself, bullied, skinny and shady, Peter befriends him. However, when disaster strikes, and Dillon becomes the villainous Electro, hell-bend on turning New York City into his playground, Spider-Man must face the ultimate choice: Save the one he loves, or let New York suffer the consequences.
First Spin-Off Film: The Superior Foes of Spider-Man (November 2021)
Influences: Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Guardians Of The Galaxy, The Italian Job
Herman Schultz, better known as The Shocker, has been ridiculed by Spider-Man on more than 12 occasions. After moving in with his best friend, and fellow super villain, Fred Meyers, better known as Boomerang, the two device a plan to move to Dallas, Texas and to steal the severed head of billionaire, Spencer Smythe. Along the way, the duo befriend Beetle, Speed Demon and Overdrive, all of which have been at Spider-Man’s wrath. Uniting, the 5 become “The Superior Foes Of Spider-Man” and must escape the wrath of Silver Sable. But when the “villains” discover what Smythe’s son, Alastair Smythe, better known as The Slayer, has planned for his father’s head, the foes must become the good-guys they have always been.
Third Film: The Spectacular Spider-Man (April 2023)
Influences: Romeo + Juliet, Smashed, (500) Days of Summer
Following the loss of his loved one, Gwen Stacy at the hands of Electro, Peter Parker must re-evaluate his life. When Harry Osborn discovers that his best friend was the man who murdered his father, he becomes the next Goblin and sets out to destroy his best friend. Meanwhile, Peter wraps up his college years, and becomes a tutor, after meeting his first pupil, a young actress called Mary-Jane Watson, Peter must face the moral question of love and what it takes to be in it.
Second Spin-Off Film: The Daily Bugle (March 2024)
Influences: Office Space, Safety Not Guaranteed
What’s it like to live in the world of superheroes? Or better yet, what’s it like to work in that world? Well, ask the employees of The Daily Bugle. When a huge story breaks out in New York City, Jameson and his troops rally into the heart of the city to tackle the biggest story of the year.
Cast:
Steve Carell as Norman Osborn/The Green Goblin
Appears In: Spider-Man, The Web of Spider-Man (Cameo), The Spectacular Spider-Man (Cameo)
Fresh off his Oscar-Nominated (and potential winning) portrayal of John Du Pont in Bennett Miller’s Foxcatcher, Steve Carell has become, almost instantly, one of the best villain-actors today. I have always felt Carell could play this role ever since seeing the indie-film, The Way Way Back. In which, Steve plays a real douché bag, and he did a really fantastic job at it. This portrayal, or version, or Osborn would be similar to Du Pont, in the sense that Norman lets off his father-figure vibe to Peter, whilst also being an evil and corrupt man underneath. With Oscorp plummeting when compared to Stark Industries, Osborn asks Peter Parker, his son Harry’s best friend, if he knows the answer to his algorithm, Peter, being the smart-fellow he is, answers it, but in doing so, turns Norman into his greatest enemy yet. I want Steve to have top-billing because I feel this film is as much about Spider-Man as it is about Norman Osborn, or better yet, The Green Goblin.
Jack O’Connell as Peter Parker/Spider-Man
Appears In: Spider-Man, The Web of Spider-Man, Superior Foes of Spider-Man (Cameo), The Spectacular Spider-Man
Star of the severely underrated Angelina Jolie-war-epic, Unbroken, Jack O’Connell is one the best up and comers working today. O’Connell has appeared in many films recently, and had a huge role in the prison film, Starred Up. Ever since seeing Unbroken, I have had O’Connell as Peter Parker. Something about his acting and the way he expresses himself, really made me think of Peter. As I stated before, Peter is in college in this film, and works for The Daily Bugle. This would create some hilarious scenes involving his boss as well as his life as Spider-Man.
Imogen Poots as Gwen Stacy
Appears In: Spider-Man, The Web of Spider-Man, The Spectacular Spider-Man (Cameo)
I love Imogen Poots. A severely underrated actress, Poots first came to my attention in That Awkward Moment, alongside Zac Efron and Miles Teller. Ever since I caught that film, I have had her portraying Gwen. While I love Emma Stone’s take on Gwen, which is certainly more in-tune with the 616-Gwen, if Poots portrayed the character, I would opt for a more Ultimate-style Gwen, a bit more punk-rock than Stone’s take. This is something I think Poots could defiantly handle.
Ben Schnetzer as Harry Osborn/Green Goblin II
Appears In: Spider-Man, The Web of Spider-Man, The Spectacular Spider-Man
One of the more unknown actors on this list, Ben Schnetzer first came to my attention in 2013’s The Book Thief, alongside Oscar winner Gregory Rush. Like O’Connell, Ben is 24 years old, and is a New York-native. I originally had Douglas Booth in the role, but after looking at some photos of Ben smiling, I could not help but see the similarities between him and Steve Carell, who of course will portray his father.
Julianne Moore as Aunt May
Appears In: Spider-Man, The Web of Spider-Man, The Spectacular Spider-Man
I find it funny that the actress who will play Aunt May, starred as Norman Osborn’s wife in Crazy, Stupid, Love. Nevertheless, Moore has been my pick for May for a long damn time. There’s something so loving and neutering about her as both an actress and a real person. At 52, she May (pun intended) be a little young, but I think she's a perfect fit for this take on May, which is more in-tune with the Ultimate comics, unlike the 616 version.
Nick Offerman as J. Jonah Jameson
Appears In: Spider-Man, The Web of Spider-Man, The Spectacular Spider-Man, The Daily Bugle
With the best show on television, Parks & Recreation, ending this year, it seems that Nick Offerman, better known as “Ron F*cking Swanson” would be without a long-running contract, which is perhaps a perfect time to join one of the biggest superhero franchises ever. As Jameson, Offerman could offer his hilarious comedic timing, as well as his father-figure-like roles, as evident in The Kings Of Summer, and could use it to great effect as Peter Parker’s boss. If you need anymore convincing on this casting, just watch the first 20 minutes of 21 Jump Street, he’s perfect.
Abbi Jacobson as Betty Brant
Appears In: Spider-Man, The Web of Spider-Man, The Spectacular Spider-Man, The Daily Bugle
One of my favourite TV shows that is on the air is Comedy Central’s Broad City. Abbi Jacobson is one of the creators and writers of the show, and she is hilarious in the main role. When I was looking at actresses who could bring Brant to the big screen, I was thinking of someone like Aubrey Plaza, but after falling in love with Broad City, I realised Jacobson is the perfect fit. I also feel like she’d have great back-chat with Offerman and O’Connell, Offerman more so.
Jason Sudeikis as The Shocker
Appears In: Spider-Man, The Web of Spider-Man, The Superior Foes of Spider-Man
Controversial? Yes. Awesome? In-f*cking-deed. The Saturday Night Live alum has had a rather successful career in film following his stint on the long running show. His roles in We’re The Millers and Horrible Bosses 1 & 2 have made me huge fans of his comedic timing. A lot of people do not understand the potential of The Shocker, not only is he one of Spider-Man’s funniest villains, but he is also a huge player in one of the best spin-off series’ in comic book history, The Superior Foes Of Spider-Man, so… If you get the gist, Jason will portray The Shocker in that film as well.
Logan Lerman as Maxwell Dillon/Electro
Appears In: The Web of Spider-Man
I have heard and a crap-ton of fan-casts, and let me just say: If you cast this kid as a hero, then you have certainly missed an amazing opportunity. Logan Lerman is a great actor, no doubt, but he is not a great superhero. There is something so weird about this kid, that captivated me in believing that he would be an amazing super villain, especially when given the right direction. My take on Electro is similar to the MTV cartoon version, but also differs. Max tells Peter about a game he and his father would play, where his father would hide clues around the house which would lead him to an intersection, and face a choice: Get one gift, or the other. When Electro goes mad, he uses this as a means of terrorism on Spider-Man and New York, giving Spider-Man clues and making him face the ultimate choice.
Brie Larson as Mary-Jane Watson
Appears In: The Spectacular Spider-Man
Brie Larson is one of my favourite actresses. What truly amazes me about her, is how she can play similar age groups, but play completely different personalities. Evident in The Spectacular Now and 21 Jump Street. Both films feature her as a high-schooler, except they both show different sides. This is why I believe she would nail MJ. I want her to be hot, but not extremely hot. I have never bought this idea that MJ is a supermodel, it’s total bullshit. Believe me, I am not saying Larson is not attractive, but I have read fan-casts with people casting Ariana Grande and f*cking Taylor Swift as the character.
Stanley Tucci as Ben Urich
Appears In: The Daily Bugle
As bad as Transformers: Age Of Extinction was, Stanley Tucci was amazing in it. I do not really know much about Ben Urich, but I know he works at The Daily Bugle, and I think, if he were to appear in the comedy film, it would be extremely interesting and would play out rather nicely, especially considering he’d be the mature one of the group.
Reg E. Cathey as Robbie Robertson
Appears In: Spider-Man, The Web of Spider-Man, The Superior Spider-Man, The Daily Bugle
When I was looking for someone to play Robbie Robertson, the oldest member of The Daily Bugle staff, I was looking for someone who could not only be hilarious, but can also be quite warm. I think Cathey could portray a really cool Robertson, and could make the audience shed a tear in the biggest film of all time, The Daily Bugle.
Edward Norton as Fred Meyers/Boomerang
Appears In: The Web of Spider-Man, The Superior Foes of Spider-Man
How awesome is Edward Norton? The dude fascinates me. He disappears for a bit, comes back, and gets himself an Oscar nomination, dope-stuff indeed. One of the reasons I want Norton in this role is perhaps because of his underrated comedic talent. I think if Birdman showed us anything, it’s that Norton holds comedic timing very close to his heart and, when given the right direction, can produce wonders. I think Norton and Jason would have amazing chemistry, and could turn Boomerang and Shocker into house hold names.
Ilana Glazer as Janice Lincoln/Beetle
Appears In: The Superior Foes of Spider-Man
Another Broad City cast member, Ilana Glazer is hysterical. While her acting reputation, perhaps does not earn her a spot alongside Edward Norton, I am sure, if you let her actually develop her ability (of which, she is already great at) she can turn Beetle into a huge name for Marvel. In the film, Beetle and Shocker would have a thing going on, similar to Star-Lord and Gamora in Guardians Of The Galaxy.
Donald Glover as Speed Demon
Appears In: The Superior Foes of Spider-Man
Childish Gambino himself, Donald Glover. I was one of the people who originally wanted this guy to play Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man, but after seeing Garfield’s performance, I was pretty happy. However, this is a role I think Glover could own. While, yes, Speed Demon is not African-American in the comics, I do not think/care about the few nerds who will complain about my “raping” the comics if I make a worthless character like this, into an awesome and hysterical one. In the film, Speed Demon does not reveal his real name, leading the audience to wonder if he actually has one.
Wyatt Russell as John Martins/Overdrive
Appears In: The Superior Foes of Spider-Man
The team’s rookie, Overdrive has the ability to control machinery. In today’s day and age, this could come in extremely hand, that is, of course, if you know how to use it. Sadly, Overdrive does not how to use his powers, with most of his awesome moments coming from pure luck more than anything else. Russell is a great up and coming actor, and his role in 22 Jump Street was both hilarious and stupid… Exactly what I want out of this character.
Ed Helms as Alastair Smythe/The Slayer
Appears In: The Superior Foes of Spider-Man
The Hangover star, Ed Helms is one of my favourite comedic talents working today. His role in We’re The Millers was hammy as f*ck but also made me laugh quite a bit. I have cast him in this role, solely because I would love to see him take on a comic book villain who is purposely terrible. Smythe’s story in this is similar to The Grand Budapest Hotel, in the sense that he does not technically own his father’s head, and wants to steal it and cash it in to make billions and to turn his company into the world’s largest weaponry joint in the world.
Emily Blunt as The Silver Sable
Appears In: The Superior Foes of Spider-Man
One of my favourite films of last year was Edge Of Tomorrow, it was fun, action packed and really well-acted. Largely because it had Emily Blunt in one of the lead roles. Blunt has been on my superhero movie radar for a while, and I feel as if, with the people she’s working with, she’d nail the role in this film. The Silver Sable, in this film, would be the leader of an undercover special-ops group who are after The Superior Foes of Spider-Man, leading into a cat/mouse race film.
Crew:
Director: James Ponsoldt
Directing: Spider-Man, The Web of Spider-Man, The Spectacular Spider-Man
One of my favourite directors working today, James Ponsoldt put out the brilliant film, The Spectacular Now. A true testament to the coming of age genre, whilst he has also tackled older and more mature themes, evident in Smashed. While the last time we had an indie director take the lead of a Spider-Man franchise it kinda backfired, but I feel if Marc Webb had been given the gig at any other studio, the films would have been much better. Which is why, I feel Ponsoldt would nail the essence of the character.
Writers: Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Webber
Writing: Spider-Man, The Web of Spider-Man, The Spectacular Spider-Man
When I decided to have the director of The Spectacular Now tackle the franchise, I thought it was a must to include the brilliant screen writers. The duo, who also wrote the box office hit, The Fault In Our Stars and the indie-darling, (500) Days Of Summer, know how to tell a romantic story that is in the background of a bigger picture, something these Spider-Man films should include.
Producer: Sam Raimi
Producing: Spider-Man, The Web of Spider-Man, The Superior Foes of Spider-Man, The Spectacular Spider-Man, The Daily Bugle
Sam Raimi, please, come home. It hasn't exactly been a great time for either Spider-Man or Sam Raimi following their break-up in 2010. Rami went out with Oz and Spider-Man dated some slut called Avi Arad. But, after their mutual failures, the two have decided to come together once more. Rami is exactly what the franchise needs, he could be the Kevin Feige for this universe, something we so desperately need.
Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Directing: The Superior Foes of Spider-Man, The Daily Bugle
The man behind the comedy great, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Rawson Marshall Thurber is one of my favourite directors. We’re The Millers was really funny, and if he could team up with the person I am about to talk about next for both films, then we could have a few more hits on our hands.
Writer: Ben Stiller
Writing: The Superior Foes of Spider-Man, The Daily Bugle
Ben Stiller, love him or hate him, he has the most unlucky face in Hollywood. His writing work on Zoolander was some of the best writing in a comedy film to date, and if he could find his mojo and do that once more for these two films, then I’d say, we’re pretty lucky, wouldn’t you?
So, what do you guys think? Do you like my ideas and cast/crew for a resurgence in the Spider-Man franchise? Comment below and let me know, and if you liked what you saw here, hit that big red thumb down below.