Columbia Pictures Announces Title of the Next 'Spider-Man' Film

Columbia Pictures has settled on a name for the next installment in its blockbuster superhero franchise: The Amazing Spider-Man.

Film stars Andrew Garfield, and hits theaters July 3, 2012.   Columbia also has released a photo of Garfield as Spider-Man, the first shot of him in the famous full mask and suit.    The new title reflects the studio's intent to return the iconic character to his roots, since The Amazing Spider-Man was  the name of the Marvel comic book launched by Stan Lee and illustrator Steve Ditko in 1963. As in the comic book, the upcoming film will feature Peter Parker (a.k.a. Spider-Man) in high school. Otherwise, the storyline is being kept under wraps.   Marc Webb is currently lensing the 3D tentpole, a Marvel Entertainment production. Cast also features Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Martin Sheen and Sally Field.     James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves penned the script, based on the Marvel comic book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.    Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach are producing the Marvel pic for Columbia. Lee, Kevin Feige and Michael Grillo are exec producing.