Now that we’re in 2016, Sony’s reboot of Spider-Man doesn’t feel that far off, especially when considering the recent uptick in news surrounding the project. Just the other day we learned the release date moved up to July 7, 2017. Now, it has been announced that the film will be released in IMAX and IMAX 3D.
Through a press release, Sony Pictures, Marvel Studios, and IMAX revealed the news. Sony President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution Josh Greenstein had this to say about the collaboration: “There’s so much about Spider-Man – including the web-slinging action – that lends itself perfectly to the IMAX screen.”
Greg Foster, CEO of IMAX Entertainment, added: “IMAX’s long-standing relationship with Marvel and Sony first began with Spider-Man in 2002, establishing the ultimate way for fans to be transported into the world of their favorite characters like Peter Parker. By re-teaming with our friends at Sony and Marvel on the newest Spider-Man reboot, we are excited to deliver audiences what they’re asking for: a must-see cinematic adventure – in IMAX.”
Marvel has been embracing IMAX more and more over the course of their movies, including the decision to shoot some scenes of Captain America: Civil War with the new IMAX cameras as well as the historic decision to shoot the entirety of Avengers: Infinity Wars strictly with the new IMAX camera. Curiously, the press release does not mention whether or not Spider-Man will be filmed using an IMAX camera, either as a whole or specific scenes. Perhaps it’s still too early in the process for them to know exactly.
But the fact that they will be utilizing IMAX is a good thing, and not only because it allows them to make more money per ticket. It also offers the audience a viewing experience unrivaled at home, and makes actually attending a movie an event (Now if they could offer a program and intermission a la The Hateful Eight, all would be right). Of course, the inclusion of 3D, while also an experience unrivaled at home, is not as welcomed. It still feels very much like a gimmick and a choice made purely for monetary purposes that lacks the aesthetic addition traditional IMAX offers. But if 3D is good for anything, “web-slinging action” is probably up there.
Also of note is the timing of the film’s IMAX release. Since they altered the release date, Spider-Man will be opening a week before War for the Planet of the Apes. While the storyline would surround the box office competition regardless, the fact that Sony has secured the IMAX theaters for Spider-Man means War for the Planet of the Apes probably won’t get an IMAX release, at least not one on par with Spider-Man.
The currently untitled Spider-Man is directed by Jon Watts (Cop Car) and stars Tom Holland (In the Heart of the Sea) as Peter Parker and Marisa Tomei as Aunt May.