In “Spider-Man 3,” based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. When his Spider-Man suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well. Under the influence of the suit, Peter becomes prideful and overconfident and he begins to neglect the ones he cares about the most. As two of the most-feared villains yet, Sandman and Venom, gather unparalleled power and a thirst for retribution, Peter’s greatest battle is the one within himself. “Spider-Man” will need to rediscover the compassion that makes him who he is: a hero.
One of moviegoers’ favorite film characters returns in Columbia Pictures “Spider-Man 3,” continuing one of the biggest blockbuster franchises in film history. Together, “Spider-Man” and “Spider-Man 2” have grossed more than $1.6 billion at the worldwide box office.
As the continuing adventures of Peter Parker unfold, “Spider-Man 3” wraps up some of the character arcs begun in the first two films. Sam Raimi, who has directed all three installments in the blockbuster franchise, says, “The heart of the Spider-Man films has always been the depth of the characters and their interconnected lives. Peter’s love of Mary Jane Watson and his friendship with Harry Osborn have always been the richest parts of our stories.
When the film opens, things are finally going so well for Peter that his success begins to go to his head a little bit–and when a black substance clings to Peter’s scooter, things take a turn. The substance attaches itself to Peter’s Spider-Man suit, changing it from the familiar red and blue to a deep black. The transformed suit also changes Peter, as he becomes stronger and quicker than ever before, but it also brings out the dark side of Peter’s personality that he is struggling to control.
Biggest Challenge
Maguire: I liked the idea that in “Spider-Man 3,” Peter Parker faces his biggest challenge to date and the greatest battle of all is the battle within himself.
Different Direction
Maguire: When I read the script I was really excited about the different direction we were going with Peter Parker and the other characters and storylines. We are covering a lot of new ground here, with a fresh take on the story while maintaining the continuity of the characters from the previous two films.
Feeling Good
Maguire: Peter is feeling pretty good things are lining up in his life in ways they never have before. He is finally receiving recognition as Spider-Man, as someone who is helping his community, and he is in this great relationship with Mary Jane, who is also experiencing success of her own. He is beginning to feel the kind of confidence of becoming a man, mixed with the glowing attention he has begun to receive.
Treading New Ground
I was thrilled to return again to the role of Peter Parker. You always want to tread new ground and this was a chance to do that with familiar characters. The fresh take is a direct continuity–it comes out of “Spider-Man” and “Spider-Man 2.” As an actor, it’s really exciting–there’s a lot to play with.
Ways to Take the Mask Off
We were always looking for ways to take the mask off, so you can see what Peter is going through. When I see a movie, I get invested in the characters and I care about them. I’ve got to connect with them so I can feel what they’re feeling.
Doing Stunts
Tobey Maguire and James Franco completed much of the aerial stunt sequence themselves, doing wirework suspended high above the stage floor. “Tobey is really handy with stunt situations, and he picks it up really quickly,” says stunt coordinator Scott Rogers. He and James Franco have a great attitude. Both actors are used to the type of physicality required for their roles, and they excelled.”
Future Direction
Maguire: I have not line up yet a project to do after this, and I am not quite sure in terms of the direction that Peter Parker should take in a potential fourth movie. I just haven’t given that any thought. We are all working towards finishing Spider-Man 3 and getting it out there, and then we’ll all regroup and talk about the future of the franchise.
Status of Genre
Maguire: I do feel like over the last six years, the quality of the “Spider- Man” genre has risen up a bit, so my opinion of it is different. Being a New Father
Maguire: My life has changed since I have a family and a baby. I do have to promote this movie, which is pretty consuming, and I won’t have much time to spend with my family. But being a dad is fantastic and it changes my life in so many ways. I am going through transitions in friendships and in lifestyles, like when I go to bed, or what I do with my days, the trade-off of things I used to do in my free time.
Choosing Projects
Maguire: I just want to tell good stories and play different roles. I’m excited to see the next chapter unfold for myself. I am not quite sure what it is yet. I don’t want to make thin movies, no matter what. I want to make rich movies with good characters, no matter what the budget size is. I always want to work with great filmmakersthat’s constant.
