LOS ANGELES: Sony Pictures announced that it has firm plans for three sequels to 2012 mega-hit “The Amazing Spider-Man”, with the first already in production and set for release in May 2014.

The studio set opening dates for the third and fourth instalments of the saga in June 2016 and May 2018, respectively.

“Spider-Man is our most important, most successful, and most beloved franchise, so we’re thrilled that we are in a position to lock in these prime release dates over the next five years.” Sony Pictures vice chairman Jeff Blake said.

“The Amazing Spider-Man”, starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone with Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, Martin Sheen and Sally Field, earned $751 million at the box office worldwide.

Original director Marc Webb is directing the second film, but has not signed on yet for installments 3 and 4.

IANS