Since Tobey Maguire hung up his Spider-Man suit early last year, we couldn’t imagine anyone filling the red and blue lycra quite like him.

Then The Social Network star Andrew Garfield was announced as his predecessor and, as the first image of the British actor as the superhero shows, he's more than a suitable replacement. Looking dark and brooding, Garfield is a perfect for the Marvel, web slinging superhero.

The untitled Spider-Man prequel, which is being filmed as we type, is due to be released in July 2012. It’s being directed by Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer, The Office) and will see Garfield as a young Peter Parker at school. This is also pre-Mary Jane with his love interest as Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), who’ll be sure to add some fire to the film.

Picture credit: Sony Pictures

Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man