The best Spider-Man actor ever
A hot and contentious topic for Marvel fans
Fans and spectators were sent into a frenzy when Sony Pictures released a teaser trailer for the upcoming film Spider-Man: No Way Home. It contained jaw-dropping scenes of what viewers can expect to see in the movie: an action-packed multi-dimensional storyline, Spider-Man’s greatest supervillains at play, and clues of having all previous Spider-Man actors making a cameo in the film.
If the rumours are all true, this may be the most exciting and awesome Spider-Man film of all time.
Spider-Man has been a part of our childhood, either through comics made by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, or the live-action films and its first television series that debuted in 1978. It’s also a new adventure for younger generations as they come across the Marvel Studios version.
It’s tricky to say who played it best, but I got my eyes set on Tobey Maguire’s version of this quirky and witty superhero.
I first knew the character through the Spider-Man film in 2002, because it was a fresh break from all the Superman and Batman movies back then. I am not much of a Marvel or comics fan, but as a viewer, I relate to Spider-Man more than any superhero — specifically Maguire’s take on the character.
He lives a simple life as a teenager pursuing something he loves: science and journalism. He may have an awkward, shy side, but who doesn’t? He was a “nobody” before becoming a superhero, only needing a few people who truly loved and cared for him, and kept him grounded to his true self.
He dealt with loss, grief, and great responsibilities while taking on the challenges of adolescence and maturity at a young age.
Tobey Maguire’s delivery captured the rawness and sincerity that the character needed. He portrayed these not only through his big actions but also his facial expressions, like his geeky smirks.
And those meme-worthy crying scenes truly capture the progression of Spider-Man from the quirky and carefree character to gradually becoming darker, more serious, and mature when making personal decisions and saving the world.
The development of Maguire’s Peter Parker is relatable because the portrayal helps you feel as if you’ve gone through those times yourself, minus all the theatrics, and it shows how young people can make a difference too.
This Spider-Man did not have a lot of money. He did not have a wide array of next-level technology or scientist parents with passed-on knowledge to help him. He solely relied on his powers and wit. And this gave him a different level of struggle and burden to save everyone all on his own without a safety net.
Tobey Maguire is the original Spider-Man of the 21st century. But I think his portrayal has served its purpose already and let it rest as a great legend.
There are many versions of Spider-Man’s story, like Tom Holland’s spin, that allow a fresh perspective and exciting way to keep the character alive. Let’s support them and see where Spider-Man will take us next.
No Way Home is the third installment of Spiderman’s story in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The story picks up from the aftermath of Spider-Man: Far From Home, where Peter Parker’s identity was revealed, and he is now facing scrutiny from the masses with or without the mask. He seeks help from Doctor Strange to restore the secrecy of his identity, but the process goes sideways, causing the magic to unravel multiple universes.
I can’t wait to see it!
