Andrew Garfield is Your New Friendly Neighborhood "Spider-Man"

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) There's a new Spider-Man in town.

Andrew Garfield, the British-American actor whose credits include last year's Heath Ledger film "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," has been cast as Peter Parker in the next "Spider-Man" film, Sony Pictures announced Thursday.

The as-yet-untitled project begins shooting in December and is due in theaters July 3, 2012. Marc Webb ("500 Days of Summer") will direct.

It will be shot in 3-D and focuses on a younger Peter Parker, the Marvel Comics hero who gains superpowers after he's bitten by a radioactive spider.

"Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor's work understand his extraordinary talents," Webb said. "He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker."

The actor and director got the jobs after star Tobey Maguire and director Sam Raimi, who made the first three "Spider-Man" films, departed amid story and scheduling issues over a fourth movie.

Among Garfield's other credits are director David Fincher's upcoming "The Social Network," about the founders of Facebook, and Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan's upcoming drama, "Never Let Me Go." Garfield also starred in the acclaimed British drama "Boy A."

Garfield was born in the United States, but was raised in England.

"In the Spider-Man tradition, we were looking for a smart, sensitive, and cool new Peter Parker who can inspire us and make us laugh, cry, and cheer," said Avi Arad, one of the producers on the "Spider-Man" franchise. "We believe we have found the perfect choice to take on this role and lead us into the future."