Sony Pictures confirmed Monday that the movie, which was supposed to hit theatres in 2011, has not yet begun production.

Sony has decided to kill Spider-Man 4 and instead reboot the franchise with an all-new cast and director, aiming at a 2012 release.

Hollywood blogger Nikki Finke of Deadline Hollywood Daily first reported Monday, quoting Sony Pictures officials, that director Sam Raimi has left the project, citing time constraints and creative difficulties. Cast members, including title player Tobey Maguire, have also left the franchise.

Raimi said his work on the previous Spider-Man films was the experience of a lifetime but acknowledged the studio was heading in a “new direction.”

The new movie will be based on a script by James Vanderbilt that focuses on Peter Parker in high school.

Sony said it would have more news about Spider-Man 4 in coming weeks.

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