Spider-Man director Sam Raimi has indicated that he may be willing to return behind the camera for the fourth film in Sony's highly successful franchise.

Previous reports had suggested that Raimi did not want to continue beyond the initial trilogy, while numerous actors have been linked with the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man should Tobey Maguire not return to the series.

However, Raimi told ComingSoon.net that he is looking forward to reading James Vanderbilt's script for the fourth film. He said: “I'm hoping it feels right for me because I love Spider-Man. I'm hoping I'm well rested enough to embrace it and I'm hoping Sony wants me to do it. If all of those things come together, I would love to do it."

Asked about recasting any of his leads, Raimi noted that "I'd hate to re-cast anybody in the future, I can't imagine that."