Sony’s chosen tagline for their upcoming reboot THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN promises to deliver “The Untold Story”. This left many of us scratching our heads in bemusement. We all know it’s yet another re-telling of his origin story, so what exactly could they bring to the table that fans of the character are unfamiliar with? Have they dared shake up existing canon? Or are they simply focussing their marketing on the gullible cinema-going masses instead? …Cos let’s face it, we’ll all be seeing it either way.

Well, here’s the newly released official synopsis to help shed some light on what director Marc Webb has up his sleeve: 

One of the world’s most popular characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed in “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay written by James Vanderbilt, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the film in association with Marvel Entertainment for Columbia Pictures, which will open in theaters everywhere in 3D on July 3, 2012.

“The Amazing Spider-Man” is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

The only thing new here (besides the Stacey arc, but let’s face it, it’ll play out exactly the same as the previous film’s Mary Jane relationship) seems to be the inclusion of the ‘mysterious briefcase/parents’ plot. Not being a die-hard fan of Spidey’s rich comic book mythology (more of a DC guy to be honest), colour us intrigued. But if Sony have really pulled an integral revelation about the web-slinger’s past out of their arse, they better prepare for some serious heat from the fan community. 

All will be revealed when THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN swings its way into cinemas July 3rd 2012.

Are you liking Sony’s approach? Any ideas where this story could go? Share ’em with your fellow readers in the Comments below or on Twitter @Starburst_Mag