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The Amazing Spider-Man is the first film in a new trilogy for the franchise, Sony Pictures has confirmed.

A sequel to the reboot, starring British actor Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker, has already been given the go-ahead for release in May 2014.

Sony revealed news of a third new instalment on the film's Facebook page earlier this week.

The Amazing Spider-Man, directed by Marc Webb, was released in the UK and the US on Tuesday.

It broke US box office records for a Tuesday opening taking $35 million (£22.5m), and went on to take another $23.4m (£15m) on Wednesday's Fourth of July holiday.

The fourth Spider-Man marks a new start for the franchise, after director Sam Raimi's three record-breaking films between 2002 and 2007, starring Toby Maguire in the title role.

<bold>Comic book success</bold>

By Friday, more than 11,800 fans had 'liked' the Facebook announcement confirming another two films.

The post read: "It's finally here. The Amazing Spider-Man is the first instalment in a movie trilogy that will explore how our fave hero's journey was shaped by the disappearance of his parents."

Co-starring Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Martin Sheen and Sally Field, the film retells the story of how a radioactive spider bite enhances teenager Peter Parker's strength, agility and senses.

It is thought the franchise could expand further, with a spin-off in development for Spider-Man baddie Venom and reports that Marvel Comics' supervillains, the Sinister Six, could also feature.

This year has already seen box office success for Disney and Marvel's The Avengers, which has taken $1.45 billion (£930m) worldwide so far.

Another comic book hero returns on 20 July, when Warner Bros release the third and final Batman film from director Christopher Nolan.

The Dark Knight Rises sees Christian Bale back in the lead role, with co-stars Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Tom Hardy.