The Twilight hunk is reportedly the top choice with Columbia executives to star in the film, after Maguire pulled out last week (begs11Jan10) over a reported script issue.
Daily Variety claimed movie bosses are planning to make a prequel about Spider-Man’s alter-ego, Peter Parker, as a teenager instead – and Pattinson is the hot favourite to land the role, reports Britain’s Daily Mirror.
A source tells the publication, “The buzz in Hollywood is all about R-Patz as the hot, young thing being lined up to fill Tobey Maguire’s shoes. It would be a hard act to follow as fans were traumatised at the news Tobey was going.
“His mild-mannered portrayal as Peter Parker and the transformation to Spider-Man kept millions of fans in the cinemas for the box-office smash. He also had great chemistry with Kirsten Dunst, who plays love interest Mary Jane.”
But Pattinson faces tough competition for the coveted role – High School Musical star Zac Efron also has his eye on playing the web-slinger.
He says, “I don’t know what the chances are to be honest. I assume they’re pretty slim. It’s a long-shot but if it came down to it, it’d be a dream come true. What young actor wouldn’t?”
