Despite the fact that he helped reboot Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man franchise to the tune of over $750 million at the worldwide box office, it was unclear whether or not director Marc Webb would return to helm the follow-up to The Amazing Spider-Man. He remained coy on the subject when asked in interviews and reports of him owing Fox Searchlight another movie (after the critically acclaimed (500) Days of Summer) made it seem as if the Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci penned sequel would need to find another director.

Variety has now confirmed that he will indeed be back, along with stars Andrew Garfield (Peter Parker/Spider-Man) and Emma Stone (Gwen Stacy), to deliver the sequel for its planned release on May 2nd, 2014. “We could not be more confident in the direction we are taking this new Spider-Man storyline and we are tremendously excited to be ramping up production again with Marc at the helm and Andrew continuing on as Peter Parker,” President of Columbia Pictures Doug Belgrad said in a statement released earlier today. “We can’t wait to share what we have in store for Peter and Spider-Man with audiences worldwide.” Production is expected to begin early next year.

SOURCE: Variety