Tobey Maguire returns for Spider-Man 4

IMAX and Columbia Pictures announced that the highly-anticipated Spider-Man 4 will be released to IMAX theatres simultaneously with the film’s worldwide release on May 5, 2011. The fourth installment of the successful Spider-Man franchise, based on the Marvel character, will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience.

To date, the Spider-Man motion pictures have generated more than $2.5 billion in worldwide box office receipts.

“We’re so excited to once again work with our friends at Columbia Pictures, Sony and Marvel to bring this beloved superhero back to IMAX theatres,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “The Spider-Man franchise has been so important to the growth of our network and fan base over the years and we’re certainly looking forward to re-teaming with the entire cast and production team to bring this next chapter to moviegoers worldwide.”

Spider-Man 4 will reunite director Sam Raimi with stars Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. The screenplay is currently being adapted by Gary Ross, who also wrote the script for the upcoming Creature from the Black Lagoon remake. The producers are Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, Todd Black and Grant Curtis, with Stan Lee, Todd Hallowell and Josh Donen executive producing.

The IMAX release will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology.