Archive for the Casting News Category

Edward Norton Responds To Being Fired As The Hulk

"I don't like to talk much about the business of making movies ..."
Posted by: Trent on July 13, 2010| 7 Comments

On Sunday we learned that the folks at Marvel decided to fire Edward Norton as The Hulk and would be recasting the role for the upcoming Joss Whedon-directed film The Avengers. Yesterday we heard the response from Norton‘s agent, who railed back at Marvel for the disparaging comments that he believes were made against his client. Today we get to hear from Edward Norton himself on the matter. Norton posted his official statement on his firing on his official Facebook profile. Here is the full text of his statement:

As most of you know, I don’t like to talk much about the business of making movies because it means a lot to me to protect the audience’s fullest enjoyment of the ‘magic’ that films can have. But I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from fans of the Hulk and the Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond. So here goes: It seems it won’t work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in ‘The Avengers.’ I sincerely hoped it could happen and be great for everyone, but it hasn’t turned out as we all hoped. I know this is disappointing to many people and that makes me sad. But I am very sincerely grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for giving me the chance to be a part of the Hulk’s long and excellent history. And I really can’t thank the fans enough for how much enthusiasm you’ve sent my way about what Louis [Leterrier] and I tried to do in our turn with the legend. It means a lot to me. I grew up with Banner and Hulk and have been a fan of every incarnation. I’m really proud, and very blessed, to have been one of them and will be thrilled to see him live on through other actors. Hulk is bigger than all of us, that’s why we love him, right?

Sincerely,
Edward Norton

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a classy response to a situation that seems to me to have gotten a bit out of hand. While I do not fault Marvel at all for choosing to fire Norton and hire someone else in his place, I do fault them for issuing the initial statement that seemed to be a bit malicious when it didn’t need to be … at all. So … unless Marvel and Norton can come together and figure out a way to work together on The Avengers, the part of Bruce Banner/The Hulk will have to be recast. Rumor has it an offer to play The Hulk in The Avengers has already been made to another fairly well-known actor. Find out who it is, after the jump … More »

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Edward Norton’s Agent Responds To His Hulk Firing

"[Marvel]'s statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory."
Posted by: Trent on July 12, 2010| 8 Comments

Yesterday we learned the news that the powers that be in charge of casting the upcoming Joss Whedon film The Avengers decided to fire Edward Norton as The Hulk and have decided to recast the part with someone they feel would be more “collaborative” with the growing ensemble cast. The implication of the statement regarding Norton‘s firing has been construed by many as suggesting that he was let go because of his difficult work ethic. Today we hear from Norton‘s agent, Brian Swardstrom, who is firing back with a statement of his own denouncing the Marvel statement and offering Edward Norton‘s side of what went down … read on:

In what is turning out to be a dramatic parting of the ways, Edward Norton’s agent has issued a statement to HitFix after Marvel Studios confirmed the Academy Award nominee would not return as Bruce Banner in “The Avengers.” As HitFix broke exclusively on Friday, Marvel Studios is going in a new direction for the Hulk, replacing Norton who starred in 2008′s “The Incredible Hulk” … Marvel indicated their decision was not about salary, as sources had indicated to HitFix originally,, but “instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members.” Brian Swardstrom of WME responds with the following:

“This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light. Here are the facts: two months ago, Kevin called me and said he wanted Edward to reprise the role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. He told me it would be his fantasy to bring Edward on stage with the rest of the cast at ComiCon and make it the event of the convention. When I said that Edward was definitely open to this idea, Kevin was very excited and we agreed that Edward should meet with Joss Whedon to discuss the project. Edward and Joss had a very good meeting (confirmed by Feige to me) at which Edward said he was enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble cast. Marvel subsequently made him a financial offer to be in the film and both sides started negotiating in good faith. This past Wednesday, after several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions, but before we had come to terms on a deal, a representative from Marvel called to say they had decided to go in another direction with the part. This seemed to us to be a financial decision but, whatever the case, it is completely their prerogative, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings. We know a lot of fans have voiced their public disappointment with this result, but this is no excuse for Feige’s mean spirited, accusatory comments. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his. Feige’s statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel’s fans. Brian Swardstrom WME”

There is no official statement from Edward Norton at this time, but he is expected to comment on the matter eventually.

And there you have it … and they said / he said situation is now brewing publicly over a simple matter of a gamma radiated green superhero and who is going to play him in The Avengers. Naturally, each side is going to argue their position in order to find favor in the public eye but none of it really matters when you get right down to it. Unless the opposing sides can agree to work together, Marvel will have the final say on who will play The Hulk. IMHO, I have to say it seems silly and not very smart of Marvel to be releasing disparaging statements about actors that they choose not to work with. Even if Edward Norton is the worst possible person to work with, airing the dirty laundry seems childish and wrong. But, again, it is Marvel’s prerogative to cast whoever they want in the role.

That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if the opposing sides ended up coming to an agreement of some sort somewhere down the line. It may sound like Edward Norton will not play The Hulk in The Avengers but … then again, he just may. What do y’all think of all this public fighting? Do you think Norton and Marvel will hammer out their differences and work together in the end?

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Edward Norton Fired As The Hulk, Will Not Appear In ‘The Avengers’

The studio says 'Thanks' but 'No Thanks'
Posted by: Trent on July 11, 2010| 14 Comments

Back in April we learned the amazingly FANTASTIC news that director (and god among men) Joss Whedon has been hired to bring the Marvel comic book series The Avengers to the big screen and since that news came out, there has been some behind the scenes action in regards to who will be cast to play which superheroes in the film. Thus far, we know that Robert Downey, Jr. will reprise his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man for the film and he will be joined by Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America. Today we learn the not totally surprising news that Edward Norton, who played Bruce Banner/The Hulk in the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk will NOT be featured in The Avengers movie — a new actor will be hired for the role. Essentially, the studio decided not to work with him again … hinting that he is too problematic to work with:

As HitFix exclusively reported yesterday, Marvel Studios has now confirmed that it is moving forward on development with their summer 2012 blockbuster “The Avengers,” and they have decided not to cast Edward Norton in the key role of Bruce Banner, aka The Incredible Hulk. In a statement sent in direct response to yesterday’s story from the set of “Captain America” in London, Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige forwarded the following exclusively to HitFix:

“We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in the Avengers. Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.”

And that, as they say, appears to be that.

From what I understand, Edward Norton is notoriously difficult to work with … especially when it comes to the Hulk movies. Earlier this year, Edward put the kibosh on plans for a sequel to The Incredible Hulk … which I’m sure pissed off the studio because another Hulk movie could’ve been tied into The Avengers movie. I suppose it’s possible that the studio could go back and rehire Eric Bana who played The Hulk in the disastrous 2003 Ang Lee film Hulk — at least the audience would get a recognizable actor to play the role. Tho, it seems more likely that they will just hire someone new … someone who would be willing to make a new franchise of Hulk films. Welp, it’s goodbye Ed and hello new guy … we’ll just have to wait and see who the new guy will be.

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‘Project Runway’ Alums Santino Rice & Austin Scarlett Team Up For A New Show

'On the Road'
Posted by: Trent on July 10, 2010| 6 Comments

Earlier this month we learned the news that former Project Runway contestants Santino Rice (who recently has been featured as a head judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race) and Austin Scarlett have teamed up for a new design show called On the Road with Austin & Santino which will debut on Lifetime in August and today we get our first look at the show. Here is one of the new promo photos from the show that has just been released and some deets about what we can expect from these two designers:

Two of Project Runway‘s most memorable contestants — Austin Scarlett and Santino Rice — are heading to a small town near you for a new show on Lifetime. On the Road with Austin & Santino, which premieres July 29 after Project Runway‘s season 8 premiere, will follow the duo as they “travel to and immerse themselves in the culture of small towns across America to create new, dream-come-true looks for special women in unique situations as they celebrate such life milestones as anniversaries, birthdays, balls, graduations and bachelorette parties,” the network says in a statement.

This series will be 14-eps long and should pair nicely with the new season of Project Runway (which, you may have heard, has been expanded from 60-minutes to 90-minutes). I have to say, these two designers are two of my faves from Project Runway and I think they’ll be fun to watch. I’m not really into the whole make-over thing but I’m willing to see what Austin and Santino come up with for the show. After the jump, check out two more promo photos from On the Road with Austin & Santino … More »

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Colin Farrell Shows Off A Sexy New Hair’Do

Baby, COMB on OVER
Posted by: Trent on July 9, 2010| 7 Comments

Colin Farrell was spotted on the SoCal set of a new movie called Horrible Bosses. As you can see from the following photos, Colin will be playing a super sexy character in this new film:


LOL! Even with this comb-over hair’do, Colin still looks hot … I think it’s the diamond earring that really makes the look work for me. Ya know, I’m not usually fond of balding guys who try to mask their hair loss with a pitiful comb-over but I’m not hating this look on Colin Farrell. Incidentally, Jennifer Aniston will also star in this film … and I’m really hoping we get to see her rockin’ a sexy comb-over, too. As for Colin … what do you think? Would you still hit it?

[Photo credit: X17]

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The Cast Of ‘Scream 4’ Comes Together On Set In Michigan

Neve, Courtney and David are joined by newcomer Adam Brody!
Posted by: Trent on July 8, 2010| 10 Comments

Thus far we’ve seen photos from the Michigan set of Scream 4 of franchise newcomers Hayden Panettiere & Emma Roberts as well as main protagonist star Neve Campbell. Today we get to see photos of Scream alums Courteney Cox-Arquette and David Arquette on set along with other newcomers Adam Brody, Marley Shelton and Anthony Anderson hard at work on the upcoming sequel film … behold:

The major stars of the original Scream trilogy have reunited, along with director Wes Craven, to film the fourth movie in the series. Real life husband and wife Courteney Cox and David Arquette were spotted on set yesterday along with Neve Campbell and cast newcomers Adam Brody, Marley Shelton and Anthony Anderson. Julia Roberts’ niece, Emma, Hayden Panettiere and Rory Culkin are also set to appear in the film. The first three Scream movies were smash hits, revitalising the slasher film genre in the mid 1990s and spawning a slew of imitators. The original was one of the highest grossing films of the year when it was released in 1996 and has taken in an impressive £114million worldwide. The movies were inspired by the Halloween film series and the Gainseville Ripper murders of 1990. In Scream 4, Cox revives her role of intrepid reporter Gale Weathers, Arquette plays her on screen love, cop Dewey Riley again and Campbell reprises the part of Sidney Prescott, the girl terrorised by a serial killer in a mask. Scream was originally intended as a trilogy, but after ten years producer Bob Weinstein decided it was time for another movie. It is intended to be a ‘reboot’ of the series and the first of a new trilogy … The latest instalment is set in real time, ten years after the last, and centers around Sidney Prescott, who has finally put herself back together following the horrors of her past, before she is visited once again by the Ghostface killer. The movie promises the same tongue-in-cheek approach as the past three and Wes Craven raved: ‘Kevin [Williamson] is right on game with his new script – the characters and story crackle with energy and originality – to say nothing of some of the most hair-raising scares I’ve seen in a script since….well, since the original Scream series.’ Filming started June 28th and release is scheduled for April 2011.

OMG, I’ve been loving all of the photos from the Michigan set of Scream 4 but these have to be my faves. It is so great seeing the gang all together … it’s also cool to see the new characters as well. I’ve missed seeing Adam Brody in, well, anything good so he is a sight for sore eyes. I have no doubt that this new Scream film will be good … I just know it’s gonna rule! The first 3 films are among my fave scary films of all time and I am very much looking forward to adding #4 to that list. Isn’t it great to see the gang together again?

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Sony Officially Announces Andrew Garfield As The New Spider-Man

Here's your new friendly neighborhood Spider-Man
Posted by: Trent on July 7, 2010| 7 Comments

Last weekend we heard the news that relative newcomer Andrew Garfield, who starred in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and will star in the upcoming David Fincher film The Social Network later this year, has been cast as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the upcoming reboot of the Spider-Man movie franchise. Sony Pictures threw a huge event in Mexico City to officially announce Andrew as the new Spidey … here are a couple of photos from the event and the official press release announcement:

After a comprehensive worldwide casting search, Andrew Garfield has been chosen to portray Peter Parker when Spider-Man swings back onto the screen in 3D on July 3, 2012. The new film will begin production in early December directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt. Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad will produce the film from Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios. Today’s confirmation culminates what has been one of the most eagerly anticipated casting announcements in recent memory. Bloggers, pop culture speculators, and everyday fans have pored over and analyzed every conceivable online rumor in an attempt to discover the identity of the next actor to play Peter Parker. Garfield will immediately begin preparing for the coveted role. The Spider-Man franchise is one of the most successful in film history and the three previous motion pictures have collectively grossed more than $2.5 billion in worldwide box office. On selecting Garfield, director Marc Webb said, “Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor’s work understand his extraordinary talents. He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker.” Commenting on the announcement, Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Matt Tolmach, President of Columbia Pictures said, “Spider-Man is a classic superhero — a young man who balances his responsibility to serve humanity and crush evil with the shyness and normalcy of someone struggling to find himself. The role demands an extraordinary actor. You need someone who can magically transform himself from Peter Parker into Spider-Man. An actor who will depict the vulnerability of youth and the strength and confidence of a legendary figure at the same moment. We have found that actor in Andrew Garfield. From the first time we saw him in the upcoming film The Social Network, to his glorious screen test, which floored all of us, we knew that we had found our new Peter Parker.” Producer Avi Arad added, “I’m incredibly excited about Andrew Garfield. In the Spider-Man tradition, we were looking for a smart, sensitive, and cool new Peter Parker who can inspire us and make us laugh, cry, and cheer. We believe we have found the perfect choice to take on this role and lead us into the future.” Producer Laura Ziskin said, “We are thrilled to have Andrew Garfield for this new incarnation of Spider-Man under Marc Webb’s direction. We were fortunate enough to meet with a group of fantastically talented young men. In the end, we all agreed that in addition to being an extraordinary actor, Andrew had the right mix of humor, youth, and pathos, along with an underlying sense of strength and power necessary to bring Peter Parker and Spider-Man to life on screen.” The selection of Garfield was revealed at a press event in Cancun, Mexico for international journalists attending a media tour promoting upcoming films from Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Again, I personally feel that it is far too soon for Sony to be rebooting the Spider-Man movie franchise. I enjoyed the first 3 films starring Tobey Maguire (some more than others) and still regard him as Spider-Man in my eye. I just don’t understand why Sony feels the need to make a new batch of movies so soon after the last batch of movies were released. To be honest, it sounds like they don’t even have the kind of money to make a new franchise of films. They couldn’t rehire the actors they already had because they couldn’t afford them, they couldn’t rehire the original director because they couldn’t afford him and rumor has it they are only paying Garfield $500,000 for the first Spider-Man movie. Trust me, I know that that is not chump change but half a million sounds like a bargain for Sony when you consider that Tobey was making a few million per Spider-Man movie. Am I excited about these new movies? Not really. Will I see them, probably. I dunno … this just seems like a huge misstep. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

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Shia LaBeouf & Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Film New Scenes For ‘Transformers 3’

The new girl
Posted by: Trent on July 4, 2010| 1 Comment

A couple of weeks ago we got to watch an exciting :27 seconds of action from the SoCal set of the upcoming sequel film Transformers 3 (as yet un-subtitled) and today we get to see a few photos from the set which were snapped this week. As you may recall, we learned in May that Megan Fox would NOT be reprising her role in this third Transformers film and would be replaced by Victoria’s Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Today we get to see her film some of her first scenes for the film alongside Transformers star Shia LaBeouf:

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley shows exactly why she replaced Megan Fox as the star of Transformers 3 in these latest pictures from the set. The gorgeous Victoria’s Secret model, 23, landed the role amid rumours that Fox, 24, had been dumped for being too thin. But rookie actress Rosie demonstrates exactly why she was picked to be the movie’s main love interest, as she dazzled in a white dress while filming scenes with co-star Shia LaBeouf, 24, yesterday. Rosie started shooting the latest in the Transformers franchise last month, just a week after it was revealed that she’d landed the role. She’d previously worked with Transformers director Michael Bay on an advert for the American undies firm. Pictures emerged of her on set, but she kept her costume and enviable figure under wraps with a dressing gown. But now, the Plymouth-born beauty, who’s currently dating Kelly Brook’s actor ex Jason Statham, has now revealed one of her outfits from the film in all its glory. Looking tanned and healthy, Rosie literally glowed in the bright white drape mini-dress with a plunging draped neck line. She was filming scenes in Culver City, California – known as one of the hearts of the film-making industry – and between takes, changed into trackie bottoms and chilled near her trailer.

Wow, she really is a beautiful woman! She looks fantastic in these photos. Considering how guy-oriented the Transformers films are, it’s no wonder Michael Bay decided to cast this stunningly beautiful woman in the flick. I don’t suppose her acting skills are really that important if she looks good, right? To be honest, I was so disappointed by how crappy Transformers 2: Rise of the Fallen was that I am not even the least bit excited for T3. I love that Shockwave is the big villain but … I’m just afraid another crap movie will hammer another nail into the coffin of my childhood. Welp, they’ve got a year to get the movie right … I just hope they don’t eff it up.

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

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Johnny Depp Steps Into His Captain Jack Sparrow Garb Again

Reporting for duty on 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides'
Posted by: Trent on July 2, 2010| 6 Comments

A couple of weeks ago we got to see the first photos from the Hawaiian set of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides which has finally begun filming production and today we get to see the first photos of actor Johnny Depp in full costume on set as Captain Jack Sparrow:

The countdown to the eagerly-awaited fourth Pirates Of The Caribbean film has begun after Johnny Depp started filming in Hawaii. The 47-year-old was back in his battered leathers, boots, bandanna and dreadlocked wig to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in On Stranger Tides. The actor was reportedly offered a $50million salary to reprise his role as the the seafaring hero for a fourth time. Notably absent from the third sequel is Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley as Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann. Fans will know Bloom’s character Will was killed off in the last movie, At World’s End after a fight with Davy Jones (Bill Nighy). Instead, audiences will be treated to another stunning female co-star for Depp – Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, 36. The film will be something of a reunion for Cruz and Depp, who played lovers in 2001 film Blow. Also providing eye candy for male audiences is Australian supermodel Gemma Ward, 22, as a mermaid. Another new addition to the cast is English actor Ian McShane, who will play 18th century pirate Blackbeard. Blackbeard was a real-life pirate from Bristol, whose real name was Edward Teach. The pirate was greatly feared by seamen at the height of his piracy in 1713 and 1718, when he sailed the seven seas on his ship Queen Anne’s Revenge … On Stranger Tides sees Captain Jack crossing paths with Angelica (Cruz), a sexy woman from his past. Unsure of whether she genuinely feels for him or is a con artist using him to search for the fountain of youth, Captain Jack is forced onto Queen Anne’s Revenge – Blackbeard’s famous ship. Jack finds himself torn between who to fear more – Blackbeard or Angelica.

Dude, for $50 million it’s no wonder that Johnny was happy to get back into costume for another Pirates film. Tho, I have to say that I doubt very much that this 4th film will be as successful as the previous 3 films were. I mean, I bet it’ll do well but I have a hard time believing it will generate as much money at the box office … but, what the hell do I know? I didn’t believe a movie based on a ride at Disneyland would be a success and it turned into a megamillion dollar movie franchise! Jack‘s back, ready or not. Are you excited?

[Photo credit: Splash News; Source]

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Andrew Garfield Has Been Cast As The New Spider-Man

Reboot
Posted by: Trent on July 2, 2010| 9 Comments

Back in January we learned that plans for Spider-Man IV had been canned because the studio decided that it would be too expensive to pay all the inflated salaries of the franchise’s principal actors — Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst — and original director Sam Raimi. The studio soon thereafter decided to reboot the entire franchise and make a new set of films with an entirely different, younger and cheaper cast and director. In April it was announced that director Marc Webb had been hired to direct the new Spider-Man films and just yesterday it was announced that British actor Andrew Garfield has been cast to play Peter Parker/Spider-Man:

Sony Pictures has found its new Peter Parker: British heartthrob Andrew Garfield. The studio announced Thursday afternoon that it had cast the 26-year-old star of the upcoming “Never Let Me Go” and “The Social Network” in one of the most closely scrutinized casting decisions in recent Hollywood history. Garfield also starred in “Lions for Lambs,” “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” and the acclaimed British miniseries “Red Riding.” The fourth film in the series is planned to be a “Spider-Man” origin story that Sony earlier in the year said would focus on “a teenager grappling with both contemporary human problems and amazing super-human crises.” Sony, worried that a fourth film with original director Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire would be too costly, decided to scale back and reboot the series. The studio hired Marc Webb, the director of “(500) Days of Summer,” to helm the project. It is due in theaters July 12, 2012. “From the first time we saw him in the upcoming film ‘The Social Network,’ to his glorious screen test, which floored all of us, we knew that we had found our new Peter Parker,” Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures, said in a statement. Among those said to be considered for the part were Josh Hutcherson (“The Kids are All Right”), Aaron Johnson (“Kick-Ass”), Anton Yelchin (“Star Trek”) and Jamie Bell (“Billy Elliot”).

I have never seen Garfield in any of his films/TV shows but I do hear he was fantastic in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and I am very interested in seeing his performance in The Social Network (which just yesterday became a must-see film for me). While I think he will make a great Spider-Man, I really think it is FAR too soon for Sony Pictures to be making a new set of Spider-Man films. It’s possible these new films will be as successful as the first films but does the world really need an entirely new Spider-Man franchise already? I wish Andrew Garfield all the luck in the world … I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens. I know I’m not all the excited for new Spider-Man films, are you?

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