Spider-Man reboot gets director Marc Webb

Marc Webb (right), with Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Filmmaker Marc Webb has signed on to direct the new Spider-Man film, after the departure of Sam Raimi from the blockbuster superhero franchise.

Webb was behind one of 2009's sleeper hits (500) Days Of Summer, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Gordon-Levitt is one of a crop of actors whose names have been connected with the Spider-Man role since Tobey Maguire announced he was quitting.

The fourth instalment will focus on the superhero's early years.

The first three films - directed by Evil Dead filmmaker Raimi - earned a combined $2.5bn (£1.6bn) at the international box office.

In a statement, Webb insisted he wasn't taking over from Raimi as "that would be impossible, not to mention arrogant".

"I'm here because there's an opportunity for ideas, stories and histories that will add a new dimension, canvas and creative voice to Spider-Man," he added.

Webb's background is in music videos and he previously directed promos for Green Day and The All-American Rejects.

The rebooted Spider-Man has a script by James Vanderbilt - the screenwriter behind the 2007 hit Zodiac. It is due to begin shooting later this year, with a 2012 release date.