In a press release announcing the casting, Columbia Pictures President Matt Tolmach said, "It’s been an incredible journey for us to watch Emma’s star rise as an actress. She is extraordinarily talented and has a very special on-screen spark that is perfect for this role. Given her history with the studio, casting her in one of our most important franchises is a real thrill."
Spider-Man director Marc Webb ([500] Days of Summer) stated, "The chemistry between Andrew and Emma was stunning and made Emma the clear choice. At the heart of the story of Peter Parker is not only the amazing Spider-Man, but also an ordinary teenager who is wondering what he has to do to get the girl. Andrew and Emma will bring everything audiences expect to these roles, but also make them their own. Much to my surprise, it was fun to find out that our choice for Gwen (Emma) is also a natural blonde."
Webb's directing this new take on the Spider-Man series from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt (The Losers). Filming is expected to get underway in December with Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios aiming for a July 3, 2012 release - in 3D.
Source: Columbia Pictures/Marvel Entertainment
