Recasting the Spider-Man films

The old web head has seen better days, ladies and gentlemen. Now while Tobey McGuire will reprise his role as Parker in the next two Spiderman films, it is much more fun to imagine a completely rebooted franchise after the debacle that was "Spiderman 3." Let's face it - that movie was all kinds of awful and a whole separate article could be written outlining the faults and the reasons for those faults. All that can be said is that McGuire and company have worn out their welcome. This is my take on a new Spidey franchise.

The first thing that needs to be done is to find a fresh new director. The series needs someone who can balance the lightheartedness and drama that Spider-man is all about. The perfect man for this job is "Iron Man" director Jon Favreau. Ignoring the fact that he knows the most about these Marvel characters, his storytelling style is perfectly suited for this film. "Iron Man" had equal parts comedy and drama, making for some great superhero entertainment. It would also be perfectly in line with Marvel's plan on getting all their characters together for the eventual Avengers film.

Peter Parker/ Spiderman

James McAvoy

The best way to truly describe Parker is a cool nerd. He is a nervous dorky guy with some of the lamest jokes known to man. Those who have only seen the recent films would not really be aware of this because the writers and filmmakers chose to remove this key part of Parker's personality. Whenever Spiderman is fighting he is constantly talking and making wisecracks to distract his opponent or to cover up his own fear. On top of that, Spiderman is not a wimp who cries all the time. Sure, he is a bit more in tune with his emotions than, say, the hard ass Batman, but when push comes to shove, Parker can be silent badass warrior as well. James McAvoy is a rising star and he has exemplified all these necessary qualities that need to be introduced in a Spider-man film. His comedic and sarcastic timing in "Wanted" is perfectly suited for Parker. "Wanted" also proves his physical prowess that would also be needed for the web slinger.

Runner-up: Justin Long ("Live Free or Die Hard")

Mary-Jane Watson

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Mary-Jane Watson was never Parker's first love. He unwittingly met her after his Aunt forced him to and the rest was history. Like Lois Lane is to Clark Kent, Parker fell for Watson after some time. His other famous flame was Gwen Stacy. Stacy was more of a good girl while Watson was a bit of a party girl. The films took the personalities of both of them and incorporated them into Kirsten Dunst's annoying character. Winstead not only shares the character's first name, but she also looks like she was pulled right out of a comic book panel. Her roles in "Grindhouse" and "Live Free or Die Hard" show her acting chops and screen presence. She is a big upgrade from Dunst.

Runner-up: Sophia Bush ("The Hitcher")

Gwen Stacy

Kristin Bell

Ever since "Veronica Mars," Kristin Bell has developed a very large and loyal following. It seems like those fans are really on to something because this blonde can act. Gwen Stacy is a good student, good-looking and overall good girl. The key word in that sentence is good, if you were not following. Bell has showcased a wide range of talents in her many recent roles in "Heroes" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." She is the perfect girl for the job.

No Runners-up.

Harry Osbourne

Emile Hirsch

Osbourne, Parker's torn best friend needs someone with huge emotional range to follow in the footsteps of James Franco. While Hirsch would actually even make a decent Spiderman, his physical limitations lead me to believe he would be better suited as his best friend instead. His roles in "Alpha Dog", "Milk", and "The Girl Next Door" are films to check out to see what I mean.

Runner-up: Garrett Hedlund ("Troy")

Norman Osbourne/ Green Goblin

Clive Owen

How many times has Owen played a villain? Yeah, I don't remember either. Willem Dafoe was good, but there is something about Owen that just screams scumbag millionaire turned super villain. Ok, so nothing really indicates that he would be great to do this role. But a hunch is a hunch and I really think this guy could do it.

Runner-up: Adrian Pasdar ("Heroes")