New Spider-man actor named

Andrew Garfield has been cast as Peter Parker, the average youth who transforms into a superhero, in the next Spider-Man film, distributor Sony Pictures announced.

The as-yet-untitled Spider-Man film begins shooting in December and is due in cinemas on July 3, 2012. Marc Webb, who made the romance (500) Days of Summer is directing.

Garfield and Webb got the jobs after star Tobey Maguire and director Sam Raimi, who made three blockbuster Spider-Man films together, departed amid story and scheduling issues over a fourth movie.

"Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor's work understand his extraordinary talents," Webb said. "He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker."

Garfield's previous credits include last year's Heath Ledger film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

Among Garfield's other work are roles in director David Fincher's upcoming The Social Network, about the founders of Facebook, and Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan's upcoming drama, Never Let Me Go. Garfield also starred in the acclaimed British drama Boy A.

Garfield was born in the United States, but was raised in England.

"In the Spider-Man tradition, we were looking for a smart, sensitive, and cool new Peter Parker who can inspire us and make us laugh, cry, and cheer," said Avi Arad, one of the producers on the Spider-Man franchise.

"We believe we have found the perfect choice to take on this role and lead us into the future."

The new film, which will be shot in 3-D, focuses on a younger Peter Parker, the Marvel Comics hero who gains superpowers after he is bitten by a radioactive spider.