So this guy Andrew Garfield will be something ridiculous like 29 or something when the movie is released in 2012. Yet, it’s pretty much been confirmed that the movie will go back to high school. It seems like they’re just making the same movie as they did in 2002, but with a new villain and MAYBE a new love interest. But Sony isn’t THAT stupid, right? Right? Anyway, if the rumor that Peter Parker is going to college instead has any merit, this is what I think will happen so that both levels of education can be put into story:
The entire movie will be set in high school. Peter has to deal with his new powers as well as finish the most important year of his high school career. Think about it: exams, the Lizard, the Prom, the Lizard, the Daily Bugle, the Lizard. It all seems overwhelming. And that’s the point. I can easily picture the last scene of the movie being Peter Parker showing up late to prom where a frustrated Mary-Jane Watson (or Gwen Stacy) is waiting for him. All of a sudden, a recently beaten and battered Peter Parker walks in through the door fixing his tux to hide his Spidey costume. They dance (like in "Spider-Man 3") and credits.
Speaking of the love interest, they could go either way. Personally, I would be interested (I’m not lobbying for it in any way) in seeing Peter Parker be friends with Gwen Stacy (like in "Spectacular Spider-Man") while having a huge crush on Betty Brant at the Daily Bugle. So he has his heart set on Betty, but she’s a bit too old for him and she lets him down gently. Gwen either has the same situation going on (maybe with Flash Thompson) and they meet each other at Prom, both single, and they dance/kiss. Or Gwen could just be a back-up for Peter and asks her to go to Prom with him after Betty dumps him. She gets pissed when she finds out, but they end up together in the end anyways.
And the rumor is that the Lizard will be the villain. If that's the case, I doubt we'll be seeing any damsels in distress. The Lizard just isn't that kind of character. Unless they're mentally ill and decide to go with the classic 1960's cartoon version of the Lizard where he talks...and with a ridiculous lisp, at that. (Please God, no!) That makes me believe that there may be another villain we haven't considered yet. It could be a 'Dark Knight' situation where we weren't sure for the longest time if Two-Face was gonna be in it. Then voila! They ripped off the "Spider-Man 3" Venom situation and threw in Two-Face at the last second (which no one seemed to mind, even though it was the exact same situation). Maybe we'll be seeing a second villain.
As well, since it’s the Lizard this time around, will he be a high school teacher or a COLLEGE professor? Maybe Peter is taking an early course in college while still in high school (there’s a term for that, I just don’t know it). Either way, if Peter and Dr. Connors are set in high school, then the Lizard is the perfect choice for a villain. If Dr. Connors is a college professor, then it’s a bit of a stretch, but still a good transition for the story to jump from high school to college for the sequel. And I REALLY don’t want Dr. Connors to die. Every time I see him on screen after the first movie, I want to think that there’s a chance we’ll be seeing one of the deadliest villains we’ve ever seen,again. Also, it’s great for the character to know what he’s done in the past and how it affects him now. Sure, it’s a bit sappy, but who cares?
Also, Peter Parker should already be working for the Daily Bugle. We don’t need anymore re-introductions than we’re already getting. The same goes for Uncle Ben. This is a question that we’re all wondering. ‘Just how far back are they going with this reboot?’ Personally, I think the best way to do it is to recap the classic story through the opening credits (much like "The Incredible Hulk") and immediately jump into the action with Peter narrating as he swings through the city: ‘Before he died, my Uncle Ben taught me that with great power comes great responsibility…’ blah blah blah. Then he lands on a roof, which we pan down to reveal that it is Midtown High and we go right into the awkwardness that is high school.
So since this isn’t a ‘Worst Fan Cast,’ I’m dying to hear what kind of response you guys have for my idea.