Robert Pattinson Spider-Man

By: Rob Adams
01/14/2010 02:17 PM ET

According to several reports, Twilight star Robert Pattinson could be the next Spider-Man. Toby Maguire, who starred as Peter Parker in the franchise’s first three films, announced earlier this week that he is quitting the franchise. This leaves the door wide open for someone such as Pattinson to take the role. In addition, Director Sam Raimi also announced he will not be back for another installment.

“I am so proud of what we accomplished with the Spider-Man franchise over the last decade,” 34-year-old Maguire says in a statement. “Beyond the films themselves, I have formed some deep and lasting friendships. I am excited to see the next chapter unfold in this incredible story.”

However, just last week, Maguire told the BBC the crew was already working to have the film out in 2011. In addition, Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios say a new Spider-Man film based on a script by James Vanderbilt could be released in 2012. The new script focuses on Peter Parker in high school.

New Script and Filmmaking Team

Pattinson could land the Super-Man role because the script calls for a new cast and filmmaking team. However, the 23-year-old is said to be facing serious competition from Michael Cera of Superbad and Juno fame. There are a lot of conflicting statements and reports going on about the new Spider-Man.

Spider-Man to be has another problem. Rob Pattinson is already in the pre-production of the “Bel Ami” movie in which he’ll star with Uma Thurman. He is also getting ready to star in “Unbound Captives” with Hugh Jackman. If that’s not enough, he’s also in post-production on Twilight: Eclipse and has to shoot the next chapter, “Breaking Dawn” this year as well.