Over the weekend Sony and Marvel screen tested half a dozen actors for the role of superhero webslinger Spider-Man, with a firm decision expected to arrive at some point this week. As the pressure is on to secure a youngster to portray the teenage Peter Parker, talk has turned to who will direct the Spidey spinoff. After what Deadline describes as a “long vetting process” the studios have narrowed down their choices for the dream gig.
A previous shortlist emerged in early May which included Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies), Ted Melfi (St. Vincent), Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect), Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite) and John Francis Daley & Jonathan M. Goldstein (the upcoming Vacation remake). The former two have now emerged as the top candidates to snag the gig, with the latter pair apparently still in contention. Interestingly enough - considering this is a shortlist - Jon Watts, who directed the Kevin Bacon Sundance hit Cop Car, has also been added to the list of hopefuls.
Whoever scores the gig is on track to direct the first in a new series of Spider-Man movies. Unlike the Sam Raimi and Marc Webb-directed franchises, this rebooted version will zero in on Parker as a high schooler. Prior to that first spinoff, which arrives on July 28, 2017, Spider-Man is expected to make his MCU debut in Captain America: Civil War next year.
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