The (Somewhat) Amazing Spider-Man: DARK AND GRITTY!!!

Swinging into theaters in 2012.

For the updated version of this preview (due to the different feelings the author now has for this movie) click here.
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Okay, to be perfectly honest, I am not too keen of creating a whole new Spider-Man franchise so soon after Sam Raimi stepped down from making more Spidey films. However, the more news I get on Marc Webb’s (ironic name...) new, gritty Spider-Man world, the more excited I get. Raimi’s universe was fun, over-the-top, and in the end, disappointing. Props to that Spidey Trilogy for creating the whole superhero movies craze, but in the end, I am glad Raimi didn’t sign on to make a fourth installment in a franchise that peaked at the second film. 

If I was him, I would be sad too, after Spidey 3.

When Raimi stepped down, Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, and others pretty much disappeared from casting rumors for any future Spider-Man films. 

The mildly-pathetically titled, The Amazing Spider-Man, will swing into theaters July 3 of 2012, putting it in the thick of what should be a dynamic summer of superhero blockbusters. Hopes are high for the summer of 2012, and Spidey 4 is no exception, regardless if the origin was seen in the last ten-ish years.

But, how will Webb’s Spidey franchise differentiate itself from Raimi’s series? How “gritty” is “gritty?” And who exactly is playing who, in the new saga? 

Post- Daniel Craig James Bond

Who will follow Daniel Craig and be Bond...?

Forget "Being Bond", who will BE Bond...?

While the currently titled Bond 23 hasn’t even been in post-production yet, it’s never too early to wonder about the prospects about Bond 24. Specifically, who will play the seventh incarnation of the iconic British MI6 agent?

Back in 2006, Daniel Craig took over after the reign of Pierce Brosnan. While the choice of a “blonde” Bond caused quite a stir (or… shake, perhaps…), Craig quickly showed why he was chosen to the play the suave secret agent for the beautifully created Casino Royale. Then… Quantum of Solace… Let’s just say… well… It was bad. It had its moments, but it was pretty stupid. Solace pretty much threw Craig’s future as Bond into jeopardy. When studio MGM filed for bankruptcy, the whole Bond franchise was thrown into disarray. Production for Bond 23 stalled, and the whole project was pretty much scrapped. Intending to continue the Quantum story arc, Bond 23 was speculated to follow Sebastian Faulk’s 2008 Bond book, Devil May Care (which, personally, I enjoyed). However, the entire production switched gears, post-MGM bankruptcy, and Craig’s third Bond role is on its way to hit theaters sometime next year.

Yeeeeaaaahhhh... They had to sell the Lion... 

 Now, Craig originally signed up for three Bonds, with an option for a fourth. With Craig’s star burning bright in Hollywood, it is rather doubtful he will commit to a fourth go-around with the Bond franchise. If Bond 23 tanks Craig will definitely jump ship. While I enjoy having Craig play James Bond, I really wouldn’t mind a change in actors, as Craig needs to move on to bigger and better things.

However, who will take over for Craig and be the seventh Bond in the franchise? While many actors will undoubtedly clamor for the job, only a few should be actually seriously considered. Not just anyone can fill the role that has been passed on by the likes of Sean Connery, George Lazenby, (Connery again…), Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.

Bond. James Bond.