With the critical and fan disappointment of Spiderman 3, the forthcoming sequel failed to ignite excitement. However, Deadline Hollywood Daily is reporting that the film will definitely be directed by Sam Raimi and starring original actor Tobey Maguire.

There’s no news about the plot-line of the fourth instalment, although many speculate that Dr. Curt Connors, who already appeared in Spiderman 3, played by Dylan Baker, will become one of Spidey’s regular enemies, The Lizard. James Vanderbilt is helming the script, and considering how engaging his script for Zodiac was, we may see a touter story than the pithy tales of Venom and Sandman.

While Maguire’s involvement is a relief for fans, who most saw as the ideal actor to play Peter Parker, as that ensures consistency throughout the series, I’m not convinced that Sam Raimi should return. Spiderman 3 felt tired, as if the director was going through the motions. A bit of directorial vitality is necessary if the franchise wants to continue.

Deadline Hollywood Daily is also speculating that Spiderman 4 and 5 will be directed at the same time.

Don’t get too excited, though, as we won’t be seeing another Spiderman film until 2011.