The Tangled Web of Spider-Man on Film (Part 2)

In 2007 came Spider-Man 3, the highest grossing and most unbearable film of the series.

Can you believe that this movie cost $258 Million?

Almost immediately after Spidey 2, director Sam Raimi and brother Ivan were pounding out a draft for the third movie. In numerous interviews leading into the production Raimi (an obvious fan of the silver age of comics) made it clear that he wanted a story involving Sandman and the Vulture. Marvel's Avi Arad campaigned for the inclusion of the super-villain Venom (a character from the 90s). Ultimately, Arad won out. In favor of Venom, Vulture was dropped from the script entirely. Raimi expressed unease with the Venom addition, openly stating that the character never appealed to him.

With a release date already set, Alvin Sargent (the producer's husband) stepped in to complete a draft, shoehorning Venom into a plot that didn't concern him. The end result was a God awful mess that rivaled the infamous Batman and Robin.

Tobey Maguire or Alan Rickman from HARRY POTTER? You decide...

Most of the returning cast comes off fatigued. In particular, the chemistry between Maguire and Dunst has visibly fizzled by the time the third film rolled around. Not even the late addition of the Gwen Stacy character (Bryce Dallas Howard) could spice up their lack of on-screen appeal.

With the exception of James Franco (reprising his role as Harry Osborn), everyone involved treats the film like it's their last day of work...which it ultimately would turn out to be.

With Spider-Man 3 the Maguire-Raimi-Dunst era came to a close. However, in its wake, the rumors of a Spider-Man 4 would soon follow. While Raimi expressed interest in directing a fourth film, he would soon bow out because of scheduling demands. Also, no longer contractually obligated, Dunst and Maguire would not return, paving the way for Amazing Spider-Man to reboot the franchise.

To Be Continued Tomorrow in The Tangled Web of Spider-Man on Film Part 3: The Amazing Spider-Man!

Keep dreaming, nerd boy.