The former ‘Spider-Man 2’ directed by Sam Raimi and starring Tobey Maguire was a superb follow-up to the original ‘Spiderman’.  Despite being a financial success, ‘Spider-Man 3’ released to mixed reviews. A fourth film was planned, but disagreements between Marvel and Raimi eventually led to him walking off the project. Five years later, Marvel gave the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise a reboot.

Marvel’s remake ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’, directed by Marc Webb and starring Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) as the friendly neighborhood web-slinger, returned the franchise to critical acclaim. Garfield reprises his role in the upcoming sequel ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’.

The follow-up also introduces new faces to the franchise. Jamie Foxx, Paul Giamatti and Dane DeHaan star as Electro, The Rhino and Harry Osborne respectively. Previously Osborne was played by versatile Hollywood talent James Franco – whose portrayal of Harry Osborne received notable acclaim.

The film further builds on the story of Peter Parker and Spider-Man juggling duties between hometown hero and high school student. Shailene Woodley was expected to take over the reins from Kirsten Dunst who played Mary Jane Watson in Raimi’s films. However, her part was later cut from the film reportedly due to a creative decision by director Webb.

After the brilliant performance of Marvel’s ‘Captain America: Winter Soldier’ at the Box Office the studio seems confident Spidey’s return to the big screen will maintain their successful run this year.

Sally Field returns as ‘Aunt May’, Peter Parker’s guardian and mother-figure. Emma Stone also reprises her role as Parker’s love interest Gwen Stacy and co-creator Stan Lee is again expected to feature in a cameo appearance.

‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ is expected to hit theaters on May 2, 2014.