Spidey Rumor: Josh Hutcherson as Spider-Man?

First it was rumored that Logan Lerman was almost locked in to play the role of Spider-Man in Marc Webb's upcoming reboot of the Marvel Comics franchise. Sony Pictures quickly took a hammer to that idea, refuting that rumor about as thoroughly as I've ever seen. Now IESB is adding another name to the shortlist of contenders: Josh Hutcherson.

Josh Hutcherson is a relatively unknown actor who's been in some big projects, most notably 2007's Bridge to Tarabithia. He can also be seen in 2009's The Vampire's Assistant. His career was been full of remakes and adaptations so far. His next big film is the Sundance darling, The Kids Are All Right, starring Annette Benning and Mark Ruffalo, and he'll also have a major role in the upcoming Red Dawn remake.

I was a big fan of Bridge to Tarabithia, both because of Hutcherson's performance and that of his co-star AnnaSophia Robb. The guy's got the look, but I don't know if he's got the charisma to carry a role like this. He kinda faded into the background in The Vampire's Assistant, which ain't good considering the lead character was about as bland as a rice cake.

The names for the Spidey role are starting to spill out now, which usually means a decision is right around the corner. I'm still betting that Logan Lerman is not out of the running, despite Sony's denials, and that he's a bigger contender than they are willing to admit at this time. I certainly see him as a better choice than Hutcherson.