When life gives you lemons you make lemonade. And when life gives you a successful lemonade stand, you pick all the lemons you can and diligently squeeze them all.

This seems to be the motto in the case of Columbia Pictures’ “Spider-Man” comic book franchise, which has brought the studio gazillions of dollars, loyal fans and a place in Hollywood history.

“Spider-Man” has become Columbia’s best-selling movie franchise. The happy experiment began in 2002, when “Spider-Man” hit theaters, continued with 2004’s “Spider-Man 2” and became a happy trilogy with last year’s “Spider-Man 3.”

The three films have grossed $2.5 billion worldwide and the trilogy looks to be transforming into an infinite series, as star Tobey Maguire and director Sam Raimi are reportedly reuniting for a fourth and fifth installment, to say the least. Who’s to say that “Spider-Man” 6 and 7 and 8 will not exist in the decades to come?!

Maguire has been doing such a good job of portraying the crawling, spider-web slinging, wall clinging superhero whose human alter ego, Peter Parker, evolved from shy high school student to capable mature man over the years, that Columbia is set to collaborate with him exclusively for the role.

“The studio never considered any other actor,” studio spokesman Steve Elzer said, as quoted by the Hollywood Reporter, dismissing rumors that Maguire would be replaced with another actor. “Tobey was our only choice and the only person we’ve discussed the role with,” concluded Elzer.

This particular lemonade business will also benefit from some excellent producing skills, as Columbia is considering shooting the films back-to-back in order to save up on the nickels and dimes.

Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin are producing and the latter reportedly is looking at a May 2011 release date for the fourth installment, per the HR.

Jamie Vanderbilt (“Zodiac”) is writing the screenplay.

While Tobey Maguire’s participation is carved in stone, it is not yet known whether Kirsten Dunst will reprise her role as the bubbly red-haired Mary Jane Watson, Spidey’s longtime love interest.

Villain-y actors have not been named yet either.