Webb and Garfield to return for Spider-Man sequel

Director Marc Webb is signed up to return as director for the sequel to 'The Amazing Spider-Man', along with Brit-American actor Andrew Garfield as the masked web-slinger.

It was previously thought that the appropriately-named Webb may not be returning for the sequel, following rumours of clashes behind the scenes with Columbia Pictures executives over story direction and tone, and that he was contracted to complete another film for Fox.

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But now both he and Garfield are on board for the next installment, which already has a release date of May 2, 2014.

Emma Stone, who played Gwen Stacey, is also in talks to return for the next film.

“We could not be more confident in the direction we are taking this new Spider-Man storyline,” said Columbia Pictures president Doug Belgrad, “and we are tremendously excited to be ramping up production again with Marc at the helm and Andrew continuing on as Peter Parker. We can’t wait to share what we have in store for Peter and Spider-Man with audiences worldwide.”

'The Amazing Spider-Man' rebooted the franchise following Tobey Maguire's stint as Spidey under the direction of Sam Raimi.

It made more than $750 million (£464 million) worldwide.