Spider-Man 1
2002 Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst
In the summer of 2002, millions took the ultimate spin when one of the world's most popular comic book superheroes mades his leap to the big screen. Released in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the web-slinger's first appearance in a comic book, Spider-ManTM centers on student Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) who, after being bitten by a genetically-altered spider, gains superhuman strength and the spider-like ability to cling to any surface. He vows to use his abilities to fight crime.
Directed by Sam Raimi, Spider-Man also stars two-time Academy AwardŽ nominee Willem Dafoe as Spider-Man's nemesis the Green Goblin, Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson, Golden Globe winner James Franco as Peter's pal Harry Osborn, Academy AwardŽ winner Cliff Robertson as Uncle Ben, Academy AwardŽ nominee Rosemary Harris as Aunt May and J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson, Peter's boss at the Daily Bugle. Orphaned at an early age, Peter Parker lives in Queens, New York with his beloved Aunt May and Uncle Ben. Peter leads the life of a normal student,
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working as a photographer at the school paper, pining after the beautiful Mary Jane Watson and hanging out with buddy Harry Osborn.
On a school trip, during which Peter and his classmates are given a science demonstration on arachnids, Peter is bitten by a genetically-altered spider. Soon after, he discovers that he has unusual powers: he is endowed with the strength and agility of a spider along with a keen, ESP-like "spider sense."
Peter first uses his powers to make money, but in the face of a tragedy that hits close to home, he vows to dedicate his life to fighting crime, taking to heart the words of his beloved Uncle Ben: 'With great power comes great responsibility."
Meanwhile, megalomaniacal businessman Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe), Harry's father, is undergoing some changes of his own. An experimental formula has gone awry, increasing his intelligence and strength but also driving him insane. He is now the Green Goblin, Spider-Man's arch-enemy, who will put young Peter Parker's vow to fight crime and help innocent people to the ultimate test.
Columbia Pictures Presents, A Marvel Enterprises/Laura Ziskin Production, Spider-Man. The film is directed by Sam Raimi (The Gift, Evil Dead, A Simple Plan), a selfconfessed fanatic of the cagey, web-spinning hero. Screenplay by David Koepp. Based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin (As Good As It Gets, To Die For, Pretty Woman) and Ian Bryce (Almost Famous, OscarŽ nominee for Saving Private Ryan, Twister) produce. Avi Arad (X-Men, Blade) and Stan Lee serve as executive producers.
The creative team includes Director of Photography Don Burgess, ASC (OscarŽ nominee for Forrest Gump), Production Designer Neil Spisak, Costume Designer James Acheson (Academy AwardŽ winner for Restoration, Dangerous Liaisons and The Last Emperor), and Editors Bob Murawski and Arthur Coburn, A.C.E. Visual Effects designed by John Dykstra, ASC (OscarŽ winner for Star Wars). Special Visual Effects by Sony Pictures Imageworks, Inc. Co-Producer is Grant Curtis.
Spider-Man is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for stylized violence and action.
Spider-Man: The Journey From Comic Book to Celluloid
The original creation of Marvel Comics executive Stan Lee and Marvel Character designer Steve Ditko, Spider-Man first appeared in 1962 in the last issue of the failing "Amazing Fantasy" comic book. It was such a hit that "Amazing Fantasy" was renamed the "Amazing Spider-Man," and it reappeared in March 1963. Since then, Spider-Man has gained worldwide fame, growing into one of the most popular superheroes of all time.
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