Los Angeles ? There’s a new Spider-Man in town.

Andrew Garfield, whose credits include last year’s Heath Ledger film “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus,” has been cast as Peter Parker, the average youth who transforms into a superhero, in the next “Spider-Man” movie, distributor Sony Pictures announced Thursday.

The as-yet-untitled “Spider-Man” film begins shooting in December and is due in theaters July 3, 2012. Marc Webb, who made the romance “(500) Days of Summer” is directing.

Garfield and Webb got the jobs after star Tobey Maguire and director Sam Raimi, who made three blockbuster “Spider-Man” films together, departed amid story and scheduling issues over a fourth movie.

“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.”