If this news is true, then we can expect some big movement on the Spider-Man franchise at the end of 2008/beginning of 2009.

Laura Zisken, the producer of the Spidey movies at Columbia/Sony has told theatre owners in California and Nevada that a fourth movie in the series is hoped to be released in May 2011.

She also confirms that James Vanderbilt (Zodiac) has yet to turn his script in, the part of the proccess that will be vital in keeping both director Sam Raimi and stars Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. If the script is below par or is disagerable with them, then that’s it for those three… they no longer have any committments with the franchise.

The Spider-Man series has made over $2.5 billion worldwide and is the most success modern day cinematic franchise. With or without those trio, Spider-Man will be continuing for a very long time indeed. It is the new James Bond franchise of films.

source - la times, /film