The word is now official. The second big screen Peter Parker has now been cast. Tobey Maguire, you are no longer the only nerdy web slinger. Colombia Pictures and Marvel Studios have finally made their decision on who will helm their rebooted franchise to be directed by Marc Webb (seen left). Most of you are looking for a name like Anton Yelchin, Aaron Johnson, Josh Hutcherson, or Jamie Bell to be chosen as the new Parker. In a surprise decision, the studio heads and Webb have chosen a little known British actor named Andrew Garfield. His best known work is alongside Heath Ledger in The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, but also stars in David Fincher's upcoming The Social Network.
Though Garfield is relatively unknown, his work on other projects is highly regarded by movie connoisseurs. From what I remember about The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, Garfield played his role very well. I remember being able to empathize with his character as he anxiously watches Heath Ledger's smooth talking persona catch the interest of the woman he loves. I personally think this casting decision could be a very good choice if Garfield envelopes himself in the role of the masked adolescent. Audiences have not seen him on screen very much, and will not associate his face with anything else but the role of the young webslinger.
While every person attached to the project is going to be saying great things about Garfield, I think director Marc Webb's comments are more than just forced enthusiasm.
“Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor’s work understand his extraordinary talents. He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker.”
My only concern comes from Garfield's age, which is 26. This Spider-Man film is of course a reboot, which is said to have Parker back in his high school days. Don't get me wrong, Garfield looks like a young 26 year-old, but a high school student? That is a stretch. The reboot is of course being presented in 3D, will be directed by Webb, and was written by James Vanderbilt (Zodiac, Basic). The film still has no official title, but now has its title character. Andrew Garfield... here is your chance. Don't let the web-heads down, otherwise we will never forgive you for it. The new franchise reboot will hit theaters July 3rd, 2012.
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