We’re less than two months away from the next superhero movie to hit theaters and (hopefully) make tons of money and fans happy. That one is Sony’s AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, a release that has gotten a lot coverage on this site the past few weeks with new featurettes, trailers and the like. Newly premiered on TV, the embedded trailer below features brand new footage of the film, thanks to Hollywood Reporter. Ever get the feeling that you’ll have seen 80% of a movie by the time it comes out these days? Either way, I’m excited to see how Marc Webb directs this reboot, with Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone as the lovebird leads (Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy, respectively, if you couldn’t figure that one out). It’s out July 3rd, 2012, the perfect pregame for celebrating America’s birth.

While AVENGERS and DARK KNIGHT RISES have rightfully stolen the hype and hubbub of late, Sony’s released two sweet new posters for the upcoming reboot/movie, featuring Spidey’s slightly new look (and webshooters). Those posters are in the gallery below. The movie, directed by Marc Webb, starring future studs of Hollywood, Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone comes out just in time for Independence Day, on July 3rd.

Press Release:
The terror that horror movie fans experienced with last year’s hit film INSIDIOUS will continue as the creative team behind the film announce plans for a sequel. Leigh Whannell will once again write the script, and James Wan is in talks to once again direct. Jason Blum will produce through his Blumhouse Productions shingle. Brian Kavanaugh Jones, Oren Peli and Steven Schneider will executive produce. The sequel will be financed by Alliance Films, which also financed the first film. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has acquired the U.S. rights to the film in concert with FilmDistrict. FilmDistrict will distribute the film in the United States, with Alliance Films distributing in Canada, the UK (via its Momentum Pictures subsidiary) and Spain (via Aurum) and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions distributing the remaining international territories. The INSIDIOUS sequel will go into production in 2012 for a 2013 release.

“INSIDIOUS was the most fun project I’ve ever worked on,” said Whannell. “From start to finish it was an absolute joy—from the writing of the screenplay, all the way to the first screening of the film at the Toronto Film Festival. I believe that James Wan and I achieved what we set out to do—create a horror film for horror fans. So it is with great excitement that we announce our commitment to a second installment of this story. Both of us feel that we can mine more terror from the world we created and know that if we assemble every member of the original team, we will have an amazing continuation of the story for fans of the first film. Thank you so much to every fan—you are the reason why we do what we do. See you in The Further.” Wan and Whannell are keeping the plot of the sequel under wraps.

The first INSIDIOUS, starring Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne, told the story of Josh and Renai Lambert and their son, Dalton, confronting the demons that possess the young boy. The project was picked up by Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival and distributed by FilmDistrict. It was released on April 1, 2011, and has grossed more than $155 million worldwide. With the picture’s reported $1.5 million budget, it has led to the film being called the most profitable film of 2011.

“We are all so lucky to have James and Leigh return to this great franchise they created,” Blum said. “And of course we are all pleased to be back in business with our partners at Sony, FilmDistrict and Alliance Films.”

“Insidious was a fantastic experience for all of us,” said Peter Schlessel, CEO, FilmDistrict. “We’re excited for James and Leigh to take the unique and terrifying world of INSIDIOUS ‘further’. Sony, Alliance and the producers are great partners that will ensure the sequel exceeds all expectations.”

Actor Philip Friedman in INSIDIOUS (Image: FilmDistrict)

Richard Coyle (Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time), Ruth Bradley (Flyboys) and Russell Tovey (Being Human) head the cast.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has acquired UK rights to the project which provides a comic twist on the classic suburban monster horror, as a sleepy Irish fishing village is forced to fend off a blood-sucking sea creature with an unlikely weapon…alcohol. The enchanting Erin Island community is shattered by an invasion of giant squid-like creatures from the sea, known as “grabbers,” who start picking off the villagers.

“Ciarán O’Shea, the handsome though washed up policeman of sleepy Erin Island, has a daily routine consisting mainly of hanging out at the local pub with the local drunks and various other charmingly eccentric characters. But his day is about to go horribly wrong. Teamed up with the unwanted help of Lisa – an uptight workaholic policewoman from the Irish mainland – they suddenly find themselves dealing with dead whales, decapitated fishermen and weird alien creatures or “grabbers”. Like a giant squid, with tentacles, fanged jaws and a three foot barbed tongue, they’re making mincemeat of the locals.

Faced with another imminent attack, O’Shea and Lisa figure out that the only person to survive the last onslaught only did so because he was so drunk his blood was literally toxic to the monsters. So there is only one thing for it; they have to get the entire village as drunk as possible in order to survive the night. A task that the villagers apply themselves to with gusto.

But one person must remain sober, so for the first time in years, O’Shea has to face up to things without a drink. When things don’t go to plan, an extremely drunk Lisa and a very sober O’Shea have to reconcile their differences and somehow save the day.”

From the Press Release

MTV

Reitman previously directed both Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989), as well as comedy hits such as Stripes (1981), Kindergarten Cop (1990) and Dave (1993). Reitman’s last was My Super Ex-Girlfriend in 2006.

A new script has been delivered by writers Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky (previously Harold Ramis’ Year One). Writer/performers Ramis and Dan Aykroyd had written both previous Ghostbusters films.

Currently, it is rumored that the entire original cast will be returning in some form, in support of a younger group of new Ghostbusters.

Of course, this being Hollywood, there was a third – more unnecessary – option. Chuck the whole thing out!

Personally, I’m not offended by the idea of rebooting Spider-Man, not in theory anyway. There’s so many eras, so many stories, so many characters in the comics, and so many creative, talented filmmakers who would no doubt be attracted to the franchise, that I can see many voices giving Spidey a makeover that’s both inventive and true to the spirit of the piece.

What offends here is the timing. Why do we need a reboot now?

There’s little way to defend this, it’s Hollywood reactionaries at their worst. The Spider-Man films really ushered in the modern Golden Age of comic book movies that we’re currently enjoying; the first film is a solid, perfectly cast and rather touching origin story, the second is an improvement on every front, some of the best popcorn entertainment of the previous decade, and Spider-Man 3, while seriously flawed, is not so far removed from the first two to indicate that a reboot would be necessary. If anyone wants to make the case that 3 has created some sort of Batman and Robin situation, they’re seriously mistaken, both in terms of film quality and in terms of monetary success. (Batman and Robin‘s domestic gross was almost $60 million less than the previous entry in its franchise, while Spider-Man 3 dropped only about $30 domestically, not to mention its international was on par with the previous two and its opening the largest of the trilogy).

We’re so inundated with sequels, prequels, spin-offs, remakes and reboots by this point, that we’re almost enured to them. But there are problems here, ones that try to ignore out of fear. The problems are originality and longevity. It’s almost trite to bemoan the lack of originality in Hollywood these days, but how can we not lament – loudly and actively – that we live in a town full of creative, richly diverse people, who are inevitably relegated to serving the visions (re: business needs) of studio heads who don’t even like movies, let alone care about their power? It is unfair and untrue to suggest this is all studio execs; some of whom are brilliant, some of whom are well-versed in cinema, some of whom genuinely care about art at least as much as they care about commerce. But it would be similarly (and dangerously) naive to suggest that these execs are the majority.

Why is this a big deal? “I just want another Spider-Man movie,” “I just want another cool flick to see,” you say. Well, the big deal is longevity.

Remember when there was a sort of grace period in between when Hollywood felt it had made a mistake – let’s take Batman and Robin as a prime example of a Mistake with a capital M – and when it felt comfortable rectifying it? Batman and Robin was released in 1997. The studio mulled over the reaction to it for about a year, entertained sequel ideas, prequel ideas, etc. and eventually just dropped it. Then, two things happened. Firstly, comic book movies came into their own, ushered in tentatively by the sleeper success of Blade, then strongly by X-Men, and then finally defined by Spider-Man‘s blockbusting. That film was an event, on par with the 1978 Superman or the 1989 Batman. People talked about it. It was everywhere. It was the perfect film for that time. And so, every comic property was thrown into warp drive, and by the next year you had Daredevil, X2 and Hulk. Warner Bros. decided it was time to explore bringing Batman back, and to do it they hired a creative team headed by people with a genuine passion for, fascination with, and understanding for the character, who decided to redefine him on screen by telling a story we had never seen and presenting him in a fundamentally different way from how we’d previously known him. Batman Begins, thus, is released in 2005, eight years after Batman and Robin.

How has this changed? Hulk was released in 2003 to mixed reactions. The film was by no means a bomb, but it was no Spider-Man. Marvel wanted to rectify this and quick, so by 2008 we’ve got The Incredible Hulk, starring a different cast, made by different people and taking the franchise in a very different reaction, tonally and conceptually. The result? The Incredible Hulk bested Hulk‘s gross by… $2 millon dollars. I won’t bother with inflation here.

Established franchises are now rebooting ad nauseum, as horror fans know all too well. Friday the 13th. A Nightmare on Elm Street. James Bond has done it, and very, very well – as has Star Trek. Now Fox wants an origin movie for their X-Men franchise, a well director Brian Singer is happy to dip back into.

Again, why is this a problem?

The Empire Strikes Back didn’t make as much money as Star Wars. What if Fox (let’s forget Lucas owned the rights to the franchise) decided, “Oops, won’t do that again – let’s start over.” What if Warner Bros. has gone through with recasting the Harry Potter kids? What if the next Star Trek film doesn’t make as much as the last, but is wonderful? Will that cast and those filmmakers not be allowed to move forward?

To successfully reboot a character, there has to be a need. And that Sony is unwilling to let Sam Raimi tell the story he wants to tell – a man whose made them, what, three billion dollars? – and would rather just begin again because it’s easier, well, that’s not a need. That’s… a mistake.

Can Jim Henson’s Spider-Babies be good? Hell, it could be great. And I’m hoping it is, because who wouldn’t love a great Spidey movie? No one, that’s who. But this is a disturbing idea, not just from the standpoint of someone willing and ready to watch the franchise overcome a stumble, to continue to watch these characters (hopefully) grow, but from someone who desperately wants to see filmmakers allowed to explore their creative instincts. And for anyone who says that that isn’t a commercial idea in regards to a Spider-Man film, well, you know, a quick perusal of Box Office Mojo should make that complaint moot.

You know what’s great about this though? Sam Raimi is free. I know he wasn’t in bondage or anything, but Drag Me To Hell was fantastic, and it was great to see him cut loose in the genre he loves and made his name in. I seriously hope that he won’t let the film’s rather middling box office stand in the way of doing what he loves to do, whatever that is. If Sam Raimi wants to make a rom-com, I’m there, because if nothing else, it’ll be special – his is a voice so unique and so enjoyed, how could you not want to follow him wherever he goes?

And that is such a big reason that I love going to the movies. To see artists do what they do better than anyone else.

And that is, exactly, what I’m afraid is going away, bit by bit, reboot by reboot.

Sony’s next Spider-Man is set for release Summer, 2012.

The original press release is as follows:

Culver City, CA (January 11, 2010) — Peter Parker is going back to high school when the next Spider-Man hits theaters in the summer of 2012.

Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today they are moving forward with a film based on a script by James Vanderbilt that focuses on a teenager grappling with both contemporary human problems and amazing super-human crises.

The new chapter in the Spider-Man franchise produced by Columbia, Marvel Studios and Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin, will have a new cast and filmmaking team. Spider-Man 4 was to have been released in 2011, but had not yet gone into production.

“A decade ago we set out on this journey with Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire and together we made three Spider-Man films that set a new bar for the genre. When we began, no one ever imagined that we would make history at the box-office and now we have a rare opportunity to make history once again with this franchise. Peter Parker as an ordinary young adult grappling with extraordinary powers has always been the foundation that has made this character so timeless and compelling for generations of fans. We’re very excited about the creative possibilities that come from returning to Peter’s roots and we look forward to working once again with Marvel Studios, Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin on this new beginning,” said Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“Working on the Spider-Man movies was the experience of a lifetime for me. While we were looking forward to doing a fourth one together, the studio and Marvel have a unique opportunity to take the franchise in a new direction, and I know they will do a terrific job,” said Sam Raimi.

“We have had a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration and friendship with Sam and Tobey and they have given us their best for the better part of the last decade. This is a bittersweet moment for us because while it is hard to imagine Spider-Man in anyone else’s hands, I know that this was a day that was inevitable,” said Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures, who has served as the studio’s chief production executive since the beginning of the franchise. “Now everything begins anew, and that’s got us all tremendously excited about what comes next. Under the continuing supervision of Avi and Laura, we have a clear vision for the future of Spider-Man and can’t wait to share this exciting new direction with audiences in 2012.”

“Spider-Man will always be an important franchise for Sony Pictures and a fresh start like this is a responsibility that we all take very seriously,” said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures. “We have always believed that story comes first and story guides the direction of these films and as we move onto the next chapter, we will stay true to that principle and will do so with the highest respect for the source material and the fans and moviegoers who deserve nothing but the best when it comes to bringing these stories and characters to life on the big screen.”

Reportedly, Alvin Sargent (of Spidey 1 and 2, not to mention the classic Ordinary People) is the screenwriter currently charged with retooling the project. Previously, writers Gary Ross (Pleasantville, Seabiscuit), James Vanderbilt (Zodiac, X-Men Origins: Wolverine), and David Lindsay-Abaire (Robots, Inkheart) had submitted drafts of the superhero sequel.

Raimi has so far been set to return as director, but this is now understandably in question. It’s widely known that Sony and Marvel insisted Raimi inject Venom into Spider-Man 3, a character Raimi had little desire to feature. The resulting film was undoubtably weak compared to the previous two, and Raimi himself has stated he wants to go out on a higher note. Wanting to feature another classic villain, in this case the Vulture (a role rumored to be desired for John Malkovich), Raimi is reportedly being pressured by Sony to choose another villain. Raimi had wanted to feature the Vulture as Spider-Man 3‘s 2nd villain, but the studio apparently found the character noncommercial.

Here’s the thing: Sony still has Spider-Man 4 scheduled for a May 6, 2011 release. It’s clear that this date is nigh impossible without quick thinking by all concerned.

Personally, the thought of Raimi returning to Spider-Man is a frustrating thought. Raimi is a passionate filmmaker who displays genius when working with material that really speaks to him. The Evil Dead films are fan favorites, and A Simple Plan is a classic, not to mention gems like The Gift and last years Drag Me To Hell (which, in 10 years, will be a classic). He did wonders for Spidey, but the frustrating development of Spider-Man 3 was evident in the final product, a toneless mishmash of too-many elements, burdened by studio interference and a palpable sense of malaise by most all concerned.

Unless Raimi feels like he wants to go back to the Spidey well, I sure don’t want him to.

The latest casting breakdown for Rob Zombie’s H2 is also now available courtesy of Bloody Disgusting. Principle photography begins this month and the film is due out on August 28th. The sequel picks up right as the first remake ended, following the aftermath of Michael Myers’ murderous rampage through the eyes of the sister he hunted. Be aware, if you wish to continue, there are spoilers below.

[Ned Atkins] A male of any ethnicity, 40s – 50s. A slow, tired man, who works as a beer delivery man. As he is making a routine stop, he discovers the bodies of 3 people who were brutally murdered and then ghoulishly displayed. As he calls 911, his throat is slashed by the same killer. Three scenes. Please note any actors able to work as Georgia Local Hire. This is not mandatory, but is good information to know.

[Deputy Sarah Lyons] A female of any ethnicity, 30s – 40s, a small town cop who is sensible and a bit impatient. She and her partner are sent to look for Michael at his old house and, though it seems like a waste of time, she does as she is told, and she thinks enough to bring shotguns. When they investigate inside the Myers house, Michael is there, and slashes her throat and then stabs her to death. Must be okay with special effects life casting needs to play this role. Please note any actors able to work as Georgia Local Hire. This is not mandatory, but is good information to know.

[Deputy Fred King] A male of any ethnicity, 20s – 50s, a small town cop who may be a bit cranky. When he is sent out to look for someone who is clearly not there, it bugs him. Fear for fear’s sake. He goes with his partner in to the Myers house to check for ghosts, but then, all too suddenly, he is stabbed to death by the man he should have been more careful of…Please note any actors able to work as Georgia Local Hire. This is not mandatory, but is good information to know.

[Wolfie] A male in his early 20s, any ethnicity. He is young, horny, and dressed up like a ‘wolf-man’ at a Halloween party. He is dancing with Harley, she wants to see his van – the night is definitely looking up!! Too bad he leaves the van a little early (a man has to pee!), because he is brutally killed and then beheaded by a psychotic killer. 3 great scenes. Please note any actors able to work as Georgia Local Hire. This is not mandatory, but is good information to know.

[Harley] 19-22 years old. Female of any ethnicity, must be okay with upper frontal nudity. She is tough and she is a bit of a wild child. She strains against the confines of her small town life. Harley has made the rounds with the local therapists and is always looking for a good time. Any opportunity to question authority, she takes it. Actor must be comfortable with head and face casting for special effects, because her death is a vivid one! All about knives in the face!! This is strong Supporting role for a strong young female fan of this genre.

[Ted Adams] A male in his mid to late 50s, any ethnicity. He is tough. He is an ambulance driver by trade and likes the rescue aspect of his work. He may have short gray hair, or maybe it is just at the temple. Although he and his girlfriend (an artist named Penny) have a healthy sex life, sometimes he is called away for work and Penny is left with dinner on the stove and no company. Sadly, on a rare night off, Ted and his girlfriend are met by Michael, a crazed killer, and Ted does not survive his brutal stabbing and skin removal. Please note any actors able to work as Georgia Local Hire. This is not mandatory, but is good information to know.

The Terminator will be back.

Halcyon Co. toppers Derek Anderson and Victor Kubicek are developing a fifth instalment of the man-vs.-machine franchise.

Helmer McG, who directed the upcoming fourth pic, “Terminator Salvation,” is working with the Halcyon duo on the latest project.

Announcement was among the news that came out of the Dubai Intl. Film Festival, which bowed Dec. 11 and runs through Thursday.

No decision has been made as to where to film the next “Terminator,” although the Middle East was mentioned as a locale.

When Anderson and Kubicek acquired the rights the lucrative “Terminator” franchise last year from previous owners C2, the former ad exec and banker envisaged the re-booted series as a trilogy. Christian Bale has signed on in the role of John Connor for all three roles. Newest pic is tentatively skedded for a 2011 release.

The duo had originally planned to wait until the release of “Terminator Salvation” next summer before deciding on whether to proceed with the next chapter, but the positive studio, fan and media reaction to footage from the current pic has encouraged them to move forward ahead of schedule.

“We feel the time is now to start shaping the next part of this,” Kubicek said.

Warner Bros. is handling the domestic release of “Terminator Salvation” with Sony handling the majority of the rest of the world, with the exception of the Middle East where the film is being handled by Dubai-based Gulf Film.

No decision has been made yet on whether the fifth “Terminator” will be once again split by Warner Bros. and Sony.

“Terminator” vidgame, which has been developed inhouse through the Halcyon Games division, will be released day-and-date with the live action pic.

Marvel’s search for Thor is still in the works. The studio is rumored to only have a short list of potentials. IESB caught up with Daniel Craig at the press day for Quantum of Solace and managed to sneak in a few questions about another known hero, the upcoming Thor Marvel adaptation. Craig reveals that “[Marvel] did approach him but he turned it down.” He jokes, “It would have bent too much of a power trip, both Bond and Thor, and running around with long hair and a hammer.”

Warner Bros. released a new teaser poster for Zack Snyder’s Watchmen today. The new extended trailer that premiered at the 2008 Scream Awards can also be viewed online here.