In his latest blog entry, John August disputes the 'Jake Gyllenhaal/Spider-Man 4/Shazam' story started by that NY rag. He also claims that no casting for the lead has been discussed as yet.
This wouldn't mean that Jake wouldn't ultimately get the part, of course. Instead, that hope would have been squashed by the negative fan reaction to the rumour in the first place.
According to (perhaps dubious) radio and tabloid paper reoprts here in the UK, Jake Gyllenhaal is at the centre of a super-powered smack down.
On the one hand, he's the top choice to replace Tobey Maguire in a fourth Spider-Man film - indeed he famously almost replaced Maguire in part two - and on the other, New Line are courting him for their Shazam movie.
The reports make it sound like money is the only decisive factor, and that each party is piling dollars on the pile in order to woo wee Jake. They also state, quite conclusively, that Sam Raimi is to direct the fourth Spider-Man film so either this is a little bit of gun jumping; they know something the rest of us don't; or they've not quite made sure their facts are facts before going with the story.
And on that note, let me stress: I'm only reporting that they were reporting this. I've added salt myself and suggest you do the same.
[EDIT: I'm being told now that Peter Segal has spoken of his desire to cast Jake in a few places. Anybody got a link?]
[EDIT: The NY Daily Post may be the origin of this rumour]
