Its hard to overstatejust how big a dealSam Raimis 2002 comic book adaptationSpider-Manwas.
So what happened toSpider-Man 4?
Why did Sony trash the project at the last minute?
What did Raimi have planned for his fourth superhero film?
So lets dig in.
To understand what happened toSpider-Man 4we must first go back to the development and production ofSpider-Man 3.
Image via Sony
One of the biggest criticisms lodged at the sequel is that its overstuffed with too many villains.
Theres a good reason for this: Sam Raimi never wanted Venom in the movie.
So whileSpider-Man 3was a commercial success, critics and fans were not so high on the sequel.
Image via Mammoth/Agatha Christie Limited
Thus, in developingSpider-Man 4, Raimi wanted to set things straight again.
He began work withZodiacscreenwriterJames Vanderbiltin 2008 afterSpider-ManscribeDavid Koepppassed, andDavid Lindsay-AbaireandGary Rossdid further script revisions.
Indeed, Raimi considered Vulture forSpider-Man 3withBen Kingsleyin the role, but ultimately cut the character.
Image via Sony Pictures
But as work continued onSpider-Man 4, Raimi couldnt quite get the script right.
Go ahead with your reboot, which you’ve been planning anyway.
And [Sony co-chairman]Amy Pascalsaid, Thank you.
Thank you for not wasting the studio’s money, and I appreciate your candor.
Ultimately Sony didnt find what they were looking for withThe Amazing Spider-Man.
Would the current Sony/Marvel Studios deal even happen?
Would Raimi have eventually rebooted his own franchise and passed the baton to a new Spider-Man like Miles Morales?
Note: This article was originally published at a prior date.
