Raimi Reveals First Details About "Spider-Man 4"

Director Sam Raimi has finally started dishing the dirt about the next installment of the "Spider-Man" franchise, according to MTV.com. Speaking from the South-By-Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Raimi revealed that he is currently working with writers and producers to map out what the fourth film might look like. He denied rumors that they'll be working on parts four and five simultaneously.

"I've read that [about 'Spider-Man 5'] also, but right now we're just working on the story for 'Spider-Man 4,' just that one film," Raimi maintained in an interview with MTV News.

Raimi also admitted that they'll be working from material in the comic books for a standalone story.

"All the characters or villain or villains, whatever we decide to do will be from Stan Lee's creations or those that came after him," Raimi continued, adding fuel to the fires of speculation over who Spidey's enemies might be.

Another hot topic was whether Kirsten Dunst will be reprising her role as Mary-Jane Watson now that Raimi and star Tobey Maguire have signed on for the film. Raimi told MTV that he is currently unaware of Dunst's status regarding the film but that she is currently locked in negotiations.

"I can't imagine making a 'Spider-Man' movie without Kirsten," the director insisted. "Of course it can be done because Spider Man has existed without the character of Mary-Jane but she's one of my favorite parts and it would be a shame not to have her in the picture. I'm hoping she'll be in it and I'm planning on having a story with her in it."

"Spider-Man 4" is currently scheduled for release on May 6, 2011.