Sony Pictures announced in Thursday, 12 December that they have big plans for the Amazing Spider-Man series, plans that involve various spin-offs and possibly even an ensemble release or two in the not-so-distant future. The announcement comes as Sony try to keep up with Disney and Warner Brothers, who have already gained a foot-hold in the superhero movie business, with Sony hoping to capitalised on the popularity of Spidey and his many cross-over villains and fellow heroes.

Andrew Garfield
Spiderman isn't leaving Sony's rooster any time soon

On Thursday, Sony Pictures announced - via Electro Arrives - that they are working on two villain-centred spin-offs from the Spidey franchise: Venom and The Sinister Six. This will give the film company opportunity to develop two major aspects from the Spider-Man comic books without having to rely on the Amazing Spider-Man films alone. Sony announced that they have appointed a “franchise brain trust" to oversee their expansion of the Spider-Man film franchise, who will ensure the series can survive outside the confines of the Amazing Spider-Man.

Director Marc Webb, who directed the first Amazing Spider-Man and will helm the upcoming second, has been placed in the studio's "brain trust," alongside Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Jeff Pinkner, Ed Solomon, and Drew Goddard; five writers with experience working on movie franchises. Producers Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach round-up the "brain trust," with the collection aiming to create a continuous tone throughout the franchise as it branches out over the course of the decade.

Andrew Garfield Emma Stone
Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone will be back for the second Amazing Spider-Man

Arad and Tolmach produced the first two Amazing Spider-Man films, with Kurtzman, Orci and Pinkner writing the screenplay for the upcoming Spidey, as well as the planned third instalment of the series. Solomon wrote Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Men In Black in the past and will write Venom alongside Orci and Kurtzman, who will direct. Goddard on the other hand will be writing and may also direct The Sinister Six.

Check out more behind-the-scenes pictures from The Amazing Spider-Man 2

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