New Sony Press Release Confirm Dates For Two More AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Movies

The 2012 release of The Amazing Spider-Man was a major success upon its release, despite speculation by some fans over the proximity between the current film series, and the first trilogy (’02-’07) featuring actor Tobey Maguire in the lead role as Peter Parker/web-flinging superhero, with actress Kirsten Dunst playing his read-headed love interest, Mary Jane Watson. Marc Webb is now at the helm for the new saga, having directed the 2012 film and second installment of the latest series which is currently underway. Actor Andrew Garfield plays the lead in the reimagining of the Spider-Man story with actress Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy.

The new series is taking on its own form now, especially after setting up the next adventure following Parker’s battle with The Lizard in last year’s blockbuster. New supervillains are also on the way with actors Jamie Foxx playing Electro and Paul Giamatti as Rhino, in addition to roles expected for actors Colm Feore, Chris Cooper and Dane Dehaan.

I’m curious to see how Spidey is going to tackle all these villains by himself, not knowing if they will all materialize throughout the franchise. One thing is certain though: Two more films are happening, and both now have release dates, according to a new press release from Sony:

CULVER CITY, Calif., June 17, 2013 – With Sony Pictures Entertainment now in production in New York on The Amazing Spider-Man™ 2, slated for release on May 2, 2014, the studio is planting its flag on two future release dates for one of the most successful franchises in studio history, it was announced today by Jeff Blake, Chairman, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Sony Pictures. The next two films in the story of Peter Parker will be released on June 10, 2016, and on May 4, 2018, respectively.

Commenting on the announcement, Blake said, “Spider-Man is our most important, most successful, and most beloved franchise, so we’re thrilled that we are in a position to lock in these prime release dates over the next five years.”

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & Jeff Pinkner, with a previous draft by James Vanderbilt, and based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach are the producers. The executive producers are E. Bennett Walsh, Stan Lee, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci.

The Amazing Spider-Man took in over $750 million at the worldwide box office last year.

Shailene Woodley, Sally Field and B.J. Novak also star in the film, written by Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Jeff Pinkner and James Vanderbilt.