New ‘Spider-Man’ on Broadway is Justin Matthew Sargent

Fans of “Spider-Man” heaved a collective sigh of relief on Sunday when they learned that Ben Affleck hasn’t been cast in the role of the high-flying masked superhero.

Producers of “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” on Broadway announced Sunday afternoon that its new leading man will be actor Justin Matthew Sargent, who will be taking over the role of nerd-turned-superhero Peter Parker from Reeve Carney starting this week. Carney has played the part since the mega-budgeted musical began performances at the Foxwoods Theatre in 2010.

Carney’s final performance in “Spider-Man” was on Sunday. The actor recently was cast in the upcoming Showtime series “Penny Dreadful.”

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Sargent isn’t exactly new to “Spider-Man,” having served as an alternate for the Peter Parker role. He has also appeared in the Broadway production of “Rock of Ages.”

On Sunday, Carney appeared on stage to bid farewell to the musical and officially hand over the part to Sargent.

Producers of “Spider-Man” recently held open casting calls in Los Angeles and New York in a bid to find fresh talent for the Broadway and future incarnations of the musical, including a planned Las Vegas arena show and a touring production.

The musical, which had a troubled production history, is believed to be the most expensive show in Broadway history, with a budget estimated at $75 million.

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