Spider-Man 2 Almost Made Without Tobey?

---

A Newsweek article confirms what was rumored among fans for months last year: Spider-Man 2 was almost made without Tobey Maguire.

The June 28 Newsweek says Spider-Man 2 director Sam Raimi was unsure the original's star Tobey Maguire could make Columbia Pictures' summer 2004 deadline and help it beat the first film's $820 million worldwide box office take.

"Given this situation, I don't think we can make the picture with you," Raimi told Maguire. "I have to hire somebody else."

The exclusive cover story, "The Secrets of Spider-Man 2," reports the tangled backstory of the film that almost had to go on without Maguire, who had injured himself during the making of Seabiscuit. "My back was the worst it had ever been," Maguire says. "I looked at the stunts I was going to have to do for 'Spider-Man 2,' which were going to be three times as difficult as the stunts on the first movie, and it became a little overwhelming."

Eventually, the studio signed Maguire with a raise; bringing his total salary package to $17 million.

The end result works: Senior Editor Jeff Giles writes that "Sam Raimi has made a terrific film" that is smart and deeply felt. Maguire and Dunst, he writes, "are the real attraction. They look gorgeous, and their chemistry is deeper, quirkier and utterly convincing."

To read the entire article, click here.

Bob Gough
6/21/2004
Source: Newsweek

All logos and images used on this website are registered trademarks of their respective companies. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2007. ComicBookMovie.com is managed by Best Little Fansites LLC., publishers of a network of fansites devoted to movies, games and anime in the genres of SciFi, Fantasy, Horror, Comics, Animation, Anime and Manga. Current properties being developed are: Batman The Dark Knight, Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer, The Blade Movies, Punisher Movies, Spider-Man 3 Movie, Hulk 2 Movie, X-Men 4 and Wolverine Movie. Some of the content presented on our sites has been provided by fans, other unofficial websites or online news sources, and is the sole responsibility of the source from which it was obtained. BLF is not liable for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions found herein. For removal of copyrighted images, email: jim@comicbookmovie.com. Go and see our buddy Vic's site at ScreenRant.com.