All Spider-Man Actors Who Played Major Roles in the Movies
Spider-Man is arguably the biggest superhero franchise in the world. The adventures of the web-slinger have captivated audiences since Spider-Man first graced the covers of Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962. Over the years he has got several of his own comics, an animated series, and eight movies where he has been played by three different actors. So we thought we would take a look at all the Spider-Man actors who have played major roles in the long-running franchise.
Along with the three actors who have played Peter Parker – Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland – this piece will look at some of the supporting cast, such as Kirstin Dunst as Mary Jane and Jake Gyllenhaal as Mysterio. While there are too many actors and actresses to include them all on this list, we have chosen those who made the biggest impact on the screen.
Tobey Maguire – Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man (2004), Spider-Man 3 (2007), and Spider-Man: No Way From Home (2021)
The original Spider-Man and still the best according to many fans, Tobey Maguire won the coveted role for Sam Raimi’s take on the successful character way back in 2002. While an unusual choice at the time of casting, Maguire turned out to be a revelation as the orphaned high schooler bit by a genetically engineered spider. He brings an emotional depth to the character and makes Peter Parker much more vulnerable and relatable.
Maguire starred in three solo Spider-Man films, battling the likes of classic villains Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Sandman, and Venom. While the first two films are great, the third is let down by some poor writing and character direction, although it still did well at the box office.
A long-touted fourth film never materialized after Rami pulled out, putting an end to Maguire’s time in the Spidey suit. Or so we thought. Maguire popped up in the latest movie as part of the Marvel Multiverse, with original fans very happy to see him back playing Spider-Man.
Andrew Garfield – The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), and Spider-Man: No Way From Home (2012)
Taking over from Tobey Maguire was The Social Network star, Andrew Garfield. Although not a household name, he offered something different from Maguire, with a more understated performance. His Peter Parker/Spider-Man was also very vulnerable, thanks to Garfield’s acting and the directing from newcomer Marc Webb. Unfortunately, despite great box office returns, Garfield never quite caught on with fans.
He was set to star in a third film but that ended up getting axed as critics were less than impressed with The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Similar to Maguire, Garfield got a chance to right the wrongs when he appeared in Spider-Man: No Way From Home. It was great to see his character get some closure and only added to his portrayal of Spider-Man.
Tom Holland – Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), Spider-Man: No Way From Home (2021), and a Heap of the Avenger Movies
The most recent Spider-Man, Tom Holland, has fast become a fan favorite. Despite being British, Holland pulls off the American accent and is a fun Spider-Man struggling to deal with his powers while wooing love interest Zendaya. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe over a decade old, Holland’s Spider-Man has been able to appear in many of the Avenger and Spidey-related movies, while also allowing characters such as Doctor Strange and Daredevil to appear.
Although the three films Holland starred in finished with a shocking climax, it’s believed a new trilogy is in the works, with Holland set to star again. Details are scarce about who he will be up against, but fingers crossed Tom Hardy’s Venom gets a look in.
Kirsten Dunst – Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man (2004), and Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Kirsten Dunst landed the role of Mary Jane Watson, Peter Parker’s next-door neighbor and love interest. While she initially dates a series of other men in the first two films, she and Peter eventually get together in the final movie, realizing they both feel the same way about each other.
Comic book fans really enjoyed Dunst in the role of Watson and how closely she resembled the comic version. The introduction of Gwen Stacey in Spider-Man 3 and the rivalry between the two women also added a bit of drama. Along with Zendaya, Dunst is most people’s favorite MJ.
Emma Stone – The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
Similar to Dunt’s take on Mary Jane, Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacy is very close to the comic book version. Although many have mixed feelings about Stone as Stacy, she does an admirable job as Peter Parker’s love interest. The biggest surprise was when Stacy died in the second film. Nobody thought Spider-Man wouldn’t be able to save her, totally changing the boundaries of what could happen in a superhero movie. No character was exempt from being killed off.
Zendaya – Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way From Home (2021)
Michelle Jones-Watson is an entirely new character created for the Tom Holland Spider-Man franchise. Played by Zendaya, her name is a tribute to the original Mary Jane. She is a bit of a loner who is also smart and inquisitive, becoming Parker’s love interest by the third film, mirroring the real-life relationship between Holland and Zendaya.
Zendaya’s character is a great foil for Parker, with the chemistry between the two leads palpable. Hopefully, she returns in the mooted sequel trilogy and more of her background can be explored.
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Alfred Molina – Spider-Man 2 (2004) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
One of the great comic book villains, Alfred Molina is scene-stealing as Otto Octavius, who goes by the alias Doctor Octopus. While at first one of the good guys, he soon lets the power go to his head and his artificial intelligence tentacles take over his body and turn him evil. Like all true anti-villains, he gets the chance for redemption and sacrifices himself for the greater good.
When he is brought back into Spider-Man: No Way Home, he again sees the errors of his ways and does his best to help out. Molina is great in both films and is one of the most memorable Spider-Man villains, despite only appearing in two movies.
Willem Dafoe – Spider-Man (2002) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Although he only appears in two movies, the Green Goblin is another great Marvel baddie. This can be attributed to Willem Dafoe, who is memorizing as scientist Norman Osborn. There’s something about the American actor, be it his rubbery face or comical expressions, that makes him one of a kind. Oh yeah, his laugh is pretty classic too.
After being taken over by the Green Goblin persona in Spider-Man and dying, he returns in Spider-Man: No Way Home and hopes to cure himself before his alter ego takes over once again. He kills Aunt May (played by Marisa Tomei) in one of the most heartbreaking scenes of the Tom Holland trilogy, leading to a confrontation with Spidey at the film’s epic climax.
Jamie Foxx – The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Electro has one hell of a backstory when it comes to gaining his powers. Not only is he electrocuted, but he falls into a vat of electrical eels that disfigure him. Somehow he survives and discovers he has the power of electricity and goes on a rampage before being stopped by Spider-Man.
Jamie Foxx is great as Electro and gives the character a more modern edge. While he doesn’t do a great deal in Spider-Man: No Way Home, he is a great addition to the cast whose oneliners provide many of the best laughs.
Micahel Keaton – Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Although he only stars in one Spider-Man film, Michael Keaton’s Vulture makes a great first nemesis for Tom Holland’s Spidey. This is mainly due to Keaton’s incredible talents as an actor. There’s something about him that makes you believe he could really be a supervillain if he wanted to.
While he won’t go down as one of the all-time great Marvel baddies, Vulture is pretty cool and does appear in another Marvel property, Morbius, where he offers to team up with the blood-sucking anti-hero to take down Spider-Man.
Benedict Cumberbatch – Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Although he only shows up in one Spider-Man movie and doesn’t really have a big part, his role is vital. Benedict Cumberbatch, as Stephen Strange, is the man responsible for casting the spell that makes people forget who Spider-Man is. Of course, this doesn’t go to plan and his spell ends up opening up the multi-verse.
Strange then has to help Spider-Man round up the villains who have made it into their world before closing the portal for good. Cumberbatch is great as Strange and is a very good representation of the comic book version of the character.
Jake Gyllenhaal – Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
The villain of Holland’s second Spider-Man flick is none other than Jake Gyllenhaal. While not the first person you would probably think of when it comes to a Marvel villain, Gyllenhaal is great as Quentin Beck, aka Mysterio. While he seems to be helping Spider-Man as the film begins, it’s soon revealed Mysterio has his own motivations.
Gyllenhaal is great and brings a sense of fun to the character while also providing Holland with someone to verbally spar with. While he only appears in Spider-Man: Far From Home (his uncredited cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home doesn’t count), he has a long-lasting impact on not only Holland but the franchise.
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