Sam Raimi talks Spider-Man's future

Sam Raimi has been talking about the next stage in the Spider-Man franchise, and brings word that the plan to shoot them as one block is still just a rumour.

Chatting with MTV , Raimi says he’s itching to get to work on the next film, but that he has to wait for the writing stage to finish first. “I’m really excited about Spider-Man, and I’m hoping to direct it.

"I don’t have a script yet, but production would start probably by March of 2010, I’m guessing. It sounds like a long time away, but we need a script first, and a lot of pre-production has to take place.”

And what of the recently announced rumours that Raimi and co will shoot films four and five together? Not so fast! “That had been talked about. It’s Amy Pascal’s decision. I don’t think it has been decided yet, and she’s the one that’s really going to make that decision; I’m really curious myself.”

Endurance test

While he’s up for it, he realises the challenges of trying to make the movies as one big block. “It would be a real endurance test, probably only Peter Jackson knows how hard something like that would be.

"But if Tobey and me, and all the producers, like the story for two pictures and Amy wanted to do it, then we would do it. It just hasn’t been written yet.”

Those of you anxious awaiting news of a villain for the film… Well, you’re going to have to go on waiting a little longer, though Raimi had a bone to throw: “I think one day The Lizard’s story will be told.

"I don’t know if it will be this one or not. I just don’t know. I’m definitely hoping to work with Dylan Baker in the picture. I just don’t know who the villain is yet.”

Oh, and despite recent comments that she’s all but back for more as Mary Jane, Kirsten Dunst is not officially signed yet. “Kirsten, I’d love to work with her again. I hope she’ll be written into it. I couldn’t imagine making one without her, and I think she’s an important part of the movies.”

Sounds like someone’s waiting for that fruit basket, KD...