Andrew Garfield Cast As New 'Spider-Man'
The world has a new web slinger.
Andrew Garfield , 26, has been cast as the new Peter Parker for the next installment in the " Spider-Man " movie franchise, Columbia Pictures announced on Thursday.
Andrew will make his official screen debut as the legendary superhero on July 3, 2012, when the film hits theaters in 3-D.
Production on the film will begin in early December.
Marc Webb, who helmed "(500) Days of Summer," the indie hit which starred Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel , will direct the picture.
The director said in a statement that fans will be pleased with Andrew's casting.
"Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor's work understand his extraordinary talents," Marc said.
"He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker."
Andrew has appeared in a few films, including "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," the project Heath Ledger was working on at the time of his death in 2008 and 2007's "Lions for Lambs" with Tom Cruise , Meryl Streep and Robert Redford .
The young actor is also a part of the cast of the upcoming Facebook movie, "The Social Network," due for release later this year.
Andrew, was born stateside, but grew up in Britain. He is a pal of Robert Pattinson , star of "The Twilight Saga."
Columbia Pictures also confirmed that James Vanderbilt is penning the screenplay. He previously wrote the screenplays for 2007's "Zodiac," which starred Jake Gyllenhaal and most recently "The Losers," which starred Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chris Evans (who coincidentally is playing another superhero - Captain America), and Zoe Saldana .
" Spider-Man " the franchise has grossed more than $2.5 billion in box office receipts worldwide.
Tobey Maguire previously played " Spider-Man " in three installments of the franchise.
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