Andrew Garfield The NEW Spider-Man

26-year-old British actor Andrew Garfield will take over from Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker and his superhero alter ego in the next instalment of the comic book franchise, it has been confirmed.   Mark Webb, who will direct the as-yet untitled 3-D movie, said: "Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor’s work understand his extraordinary talents.   "He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker."

‘Spider-Man’ producer Avi Arad added: "We believe we have found the perfect choice to take on this role and lead us into the future."   The film is expected to focus on the formative years of Peter, who is transformed into the superhero when he is bitten by a radioactive spider.   Fellow British actors Aaron Johnson and Jamie Bell had previously been in the running for the role.