Jonathan Levine and Jared Hess on shortlist to direct Spider-Man

Marvel and Sony have set the wheels firmly in motion on the forthcoming Spider-Man movie, with a shortlist now in place for the vacant director’s chair. According to Deadline, the studios have whittled their options down to six potential options, and are ready to make an appointment sooner rather than later.

The report claims that a decision could be made as quickly as mid-May, with the studios keen to appoint someone with a firm handle on directing comedy. That would explain a list comprised of Jonathan Levine (50/50, Warm Bodies), Ted Melfi (St. Vincent), Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect), Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite), and John Francis Daley and Jonathan M. Goldstein (the Vacation remake).

Drew Goddard had previously been linked to the position, but is conspicuous by his absence here. It remains to be seen whether he has dropped out of the running or whether the above is a supplementary list to existing candidates already in Marvel’s thinking.

The film is currently slated to arrive in cinemas on 28 July 2017. A new Spider-Man has yet to be cast, although it has been reported that Asa Butterworth is the clear frontrunner.

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George Wales

George was once GamesRadar's resident movie news person, based out of London. He understands that all men must die, but he'd rather not think about it. But now he's working at Stylist Magazine.