Say It Ain't So: Sony Postpones Production on Spider-Man 4

According to Variety, Spider-Man 4 has been officially postponed. The pre-production halt was originally thought to be part of a planned holiday hiatus, but the delay has since been attributed to major problems with the script. The script has gone through many writers including most recently Alvin Sargent, who penned Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3.

It is rumored that John Malkovich (Burn After Reading, Rounders) will play the Vulture, a villain Sony apparently doesn't like very much. I've never been a huge fan of the Vulture, but I like Malkovich, and after playing Spider-Man: Web of Shadows on PS3, I actually think the character could be a good fit for the next Spidey. The Lizard could also be an option. Dylan Baker, who played Dr. Curt Connors (aka The Lizard) in Spider-Man 2 could be easily inserted into the plot. I have also heard rumors that the Black Cat could make an appearance. While I didn't have a big problem with the Sandman/Venom team-up in Spider-Man 3, I'd prefer the writer(s) - whoever he/they turn out to be - don't take a page out of the Batman & Robin playbook and cram three villains into one movie.

"For those who asked, of course I would and could write Spidey 4. In a heartbeat. I know exactly what that movie should be," tweets Brian Michael Bendis (@BRIANMBENDIS), the writer of the Ultimate Spider-Man comic book series. Upon reading this, the 15-year-old inside of me got perhaps a little too excited as Ultimate Spider-Man was one of the few things, comics or otherwise, I enjoyed reading in high school and early college. It's probably not highly likely Bendis gets brought on board, but if he does, can I pre-order my ticket now?

I for one don't care if Spider-Man 4's May 6, 2011 release date gets pushed back as long as the filmmakers wait until they have it right.

UPDATE: According to Variety, Thor will move into Spider-Man 4's May 6 realease date. Disney wasted no time moving Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides into Thor's former spot on May 20.