The cast of “Spider-Man”, then and now: See where Tobey Maguire and the stars of Sam Raimi's iconic superhero film are today

Danny Horn, Kevin JacobsenSun, May 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC

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Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man and Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson in 'Spider-Man'Credit: Columbia/Courtesy Everett Collection

It's hard to believe we were once in a world where no live-action Spider-Man existed on the silver screen. That all changed when Sam Raimi's Spider-Man swung into theaters on May 3, 2002, invigorating audiences and helping to usher in a tidal wave of colorful superhero movies.

After appearing in various awards-friendly dramas in the late-'90s, Tobey Maguire took his career to new heights with his starring role as Peter Parker, a mild-mannered teen who is bitten by a radioactive spider and infused with web-slinging superpowers, adopting a new crime-fighting identity as Spider-Man. The film also served as a major career marker for actors like Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, and Willem Dafoe.

Now, like a good Daily Bugle reporter, we're investigating the careers of the original Spider-Man cast, revealing what they've been up to 24 years later.

Tobey Maguire (Peter Parker/Spider-Man)

Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker in 'Spider-Man'; Toby Maguire attends the 'Killers of the Flower Moon' red carpet during the 76th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2023, in Cannes, FranceCredit: Netflix; Samir Hussein/WireImage

Tobey Maguire plays bookish teen Peter Parker, also known as the wall-crawling superhero, Spider-Man.

Director Sam Raimi spoke with Entertainment Weekly about Maguire's casting in 2002: "The strength of Spider-Man is that Peter is a character we identify with as a normal middle-class kid. We needed someone who was completely vulnerable and lived with a certain amount of doubt and angst. And Tobey was so grounded and subtle, I simply believed him."

The Spider-Man trilogy turned Maguire into a global star, though his work outside the franchise became more sporadic. Among his starring roles were the Oscar-decorated Seabiscuit (2003), as the real-life jockey who rode the eponymous horse to glory, and Steven Soderbergh’s WWII mystery, The Good German (2006). Years later, he teamed with long-time pal Leonardo DiCaprio for Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of The Great Gatsby (2013), then assumed the role of chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer in Pawn Sacrifice (2014).

Over the last decade, the actor has been largely out of the spotlight. He made a celebrated return to the Spidey suit in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and delivered a disturbing one-scene cameo in the showbiz epic Babylon (2022).

Maguire married jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer in 2007; the pair has a daughter, Ruby, and a son, Otis. They separated in 2016 and officially divorced in 2020.

Kirsten Dunst (Mary Jane "MJ" Watson)

Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson in 'Spider-Man'; Kirsten Dunst at the premiere of 'Civil War' as part of SXSW 2024 Conference and Festivals held at the Paramount Theatre on March 14, 2024, in AustinCredit: Netflix; Gilbert Flores/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty

Kirsten Dunst is Mary Jane, the girl next door who falls in love with Spider-Man — and then Peter.

Playing MJ elevated the actress to a new level of fame, but she continued to chase new challenges, from a pivotal supporting part in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) to Cameron Crowe’s Elizabethtown (2005) to Coppola's Marie Antoinette (2006) as the infamous teenage queen herself.

She won acting honors at Cannes for the apocalyptic psychodrama Melancholia (2011), secured a supporting role in Hidden Figures (2016), and reunited with Coppola for the Southern gothic thriller The Beguiled (2017). Dunst earned her first Oscar nomination for Jane Campion’s Western, The Power of the Dog (2021), and then starred in such films as Civil War (2024) and Roofman (2025).

Dunst’s rare forays into television have been equally fruitful. She was a Golden Globe contender in 2020 for On Becoming a God in Central Florida, as a woman climbing the ladder in a pyramid scheme. Before that, she landed an Emmy nomination and a husband for season 2 of Fargo, where she starred opposite her future husband, Jesse Plemons. The two began dating after filming wrapped and got married in 2022. They have two sons, Ennis and James.

Willem Dafoe (Norman Osborn/Green Goblin)

Willem Dafoe as Norman Osborn in 'Spider-Man'; Willem Dafoe at the 15th Governors Awards held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood on Nov. 17, 2024, in Los Angeles, Calif.Credit: Netflix; Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Willem Dafoe plays the sinister corporate chief Norman Osborn, who moonlights as the villainous Green Goblin.

“Everybody thinks about the Green Goblin, and that was fun, but the more interesting role was probably the father,” Dafoe told GQ of his dual role in 2019. “You could play these scenes where it would switch from comedy to drama in a line.”

For years, Dafoe has been a regular for such acclaimed filmmakers as Paul Schrader, Abel Ferrara, and Lars von Trier, and has also found a home with Wes Anderson and Robert Eggers. Meanwhile, he earned Oscar nominations for The Florida Project (2017) and At Eternity’s Gate (2018), playing Vincent Van Gogh in the latter.

In addition to appearances in blockbusters like John Wick (2014) and Aquaman (2018), Dafoe returned as the Green Goblin in Spider-Man: No Way Home. He later earned SAG and Golden Globe nominations as an eccentric scientist in Yorgos Lanthimos' Poor Things (2023) and stole scenes in the hit sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024).

Dafoe was in a relationship with director Elizabeth LeCompte from 1977 to 2004, and the couple had a son, Jack. Following his split with LeCompte, Dafoe married Italian director Giada Colagrande in 2005.

James Franco (Harry Osborn)

James Franco as Harry Osborn in 'Spider-Man'; James Franco at Rome Film Fest 2024 on Oct. 25, 2024, in Rome, ItalyCredit: Columbia Pictures; Marilla Sicilia/Archivio Marilla Sicilia/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty

James Franco plays Harry Osborn, who gets jealous that his distant father is prouder of his best friend, Peter.

Franco's big-screen career took off when he joined Freaks and Geeks costar Seth Rogen in the stoner comedy Pineapple Express (2008). He switched gears to play Scott Smith, the boyfriend of San Francisco politician Harvey Milk, in Gus Van Sant’s Milk (2008), then landed an Oscar nomination as canyoneer Aron Ralston in the survival drama 127 Hours (2010). Beyond occasional forays into blockbuster productions like Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) and Oz the Great and Powerful (2013), Franco earned career-best reviews as an eccentric beach town gangster in Spring Breakers (2012).

The actor also took on a second career behind the camera. He directed and starred in The Disaster Artist (2017), about the making of the notorious cult classic The Room (2003) and its equally notorious creator and star, Tommy Wiseau. Franco won a Golden Globe for his performance. He later played twin brothers on David Simon’s The Deuce, and made appearances in Alien: Covenant (2017) and the Coen brothers’ The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018).

His career has since slowed down in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations, which, among other things, severed his relationship with Rogen.

Franco has been in a relationship with actress Izabel Pakzad since 2017.

Cliff Robertson (Ben Parker)

Cliff Robertson as Ben Parker in 'Spider-Man'; Cliff Robertson during the 'Spider-Man 2' Los Angeles premiere at Mann Village on June 22, 2004, in Westwood, Calif.Credit: Columbia Pictures; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Cliff Robertson plays the tragic Uncle Ben, who imparts the now-iconic wisdom, “With great power comes great responsibility."

Robertson, who took home a Best Actor Oscar for Charly (1968), had an impressive résumé before playing Uncle Ben, working with such high-pedigree directors as Brian De Palma, Sydney Pollack, Bob Fosse, and John Carpenter.

With his role as Uncle Ben, the actor found one final signature role. He died of natural causes in 2011 at age 88.

Robertson married actress Cynthia Stone in 1957. They had one daughter, Stephanie. After their 1959 divorce, he married actress Dina Merrill in 1966 and had another daughter, Heather. The pair split in 1989.

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Rosemary Harris (May Parker)

Rosemary Harris as May Parker in 'Spider-Man'; Rosemary Harris attends the '1923' costume exhibit at the Paley Center for Media on April 29, 2023, in New York CityCredit: Netflix; Roy Rochlin/Getty

Rosemary Harris plays the long-suffering Aunt May, who is unaware that her nephew Peter is a superpowered vigilante.

The longtime stage star was a highly decorated actress before signing on to play Aunt May, with eight Tony nominations (including one win) under her belt, in addition to an Emmy and an Oscar nomination for 1994's Tom & Viv. She has since earned a ninth Tony nomination in addition to a Special Tony award for lifetime achievement in 2019.

The English actress is still working to this day, landing guest appearances in the miniseries The Undoing and on the comedy Search Party, as well as a role in the film Oscar Wilde About America (2024).

Harris was married to Ellis Rabb from 1959 to 1967. She married novelist John Ehle in 1967; the couple remained together for more than 50 years until his death in 2018. Their daughter is actress Jennifer Ehle.

J.K. Simmons (J. Jonah Jameson)

J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson in 'Spider-Man'; J.K. Simmons at the premiere of 'Red One' held at Alice Tully Hall on Nov. 11, 2024, in New York CityCredit: Netflix; John Nacion/Variety via Getty

J.K. Simmons is the supremely grouchy Daily Bugle editor-in-chief, J. Jonah Jameson, who always needs pictures of that wall-crawling “menace.” In addition to Raimi’s trilogy, the actor reprised JJJ on the animated Ultimate Spider-Man and in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023), voicing the role in other animated projects as well.

Simmons is one of the most prolific actors of his generation. On the big screen, the actor has popped up in everything from hit dramedies Juno (2007) and Up in the Air (2009) to the Coens’ dark surveillance comedy Burn After Reading (2008). Then came the role that changed everything: the ruthlessly demanding music instructor in Whiplash (2014), which earned him an Academy Award. He snagged another Oscar nod years later for playing I Love Lucy star William Frawley in Being the Ricardos (2021).

Elsewhere, he appeared in the sleeper hit The Accountant (2016), took over as Commissioner Gordon in Justice League (2017), and got trapped in a time loop in Palm Springs (2020). His distinctive voice has been put to use in Zootopia (2016), on BoJack Horseman and Invincible, and — lest we forget — he’s also the voice of the yellow M&M in the candy’s long-running ad campaign.

Still in high demand, Simmons popped up in Clint Eastwood’s Juror No. 2 (2024), played Santa himself in Red One (2024), and reprised his role of Ray King in The Accountant 2 (2025).

Simmons married director Michelle Schumacher in 1996; the two have a daughter, Olivia, and a son, Joe.

Elizabeth Banks (Betty Brant)

Elizabeth Banks as Betty Brant in 'Spider-Man'; Elizabeth Banks in a promotional photo for 'Press Your Luck' on March 21, 2023Credit: Netflix; Maarten de Boer/ABC via Getty

Elizabeth Banks plays Betty Brant, J. Jonah Jameson's secretary at the Daily Bugle.

Betty was an early role for Banks, whose only major film was the summer camp parody Wet Hot American Summer (2001). After a scene-stealing bit part opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You Can (2002), she reunited with Maguire for Seabiscuit and made a splash in a few major comedies, including The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005), Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008), and Role Models (2008).

She flexed her dramatic muscles playing First Lady Laura Bush in Oliver Stone’s W. (2008) and appeared in the crime thriller The Next Three Days (2010), alongside Russell Crowe.

The actress reinforced her franchise bona fides as fan-favorite Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games franchise (2012–2015) and as the big bad in Power Rangers (2017). After a small role in Pitch Perfect (2012), Banks made her directorial debut with Pitch Perfect 2 (2015), followed by Charlie's Angels (2019) and Cocaine Bear (2023).

Throughout her movie stardom, she’s kept one foot in the TV world, with major recurring roles on Scrubs, 30 Rock, and Modern Family, earning three Emmy nominations in the process. She is currently the host of the game show Press Your Luck, which earned her a fourth Emmy nomination in 2025.

Banks married her college sweetheart, Max Handelman, in 2003. They have two sons, Felix and Magnus.

Joe Manganiello (Flash Thompson)

Joe Manganiello as Flash Thompson in 'Spider-Man'; Joe Manganiello attends the 2024 People's Choice Awards held at Barker Hangar on Feb. 18, 2024, in Santa Monica, Calif.Credit: Netflix; Todd Williamson/NBC via Getty

Joe Manganiello plays Peter's high school nemesis, Flash Thompson.

Spider-Man was Manganiello's big-screen debut, but his breakout roles didn’t come until a bit later. He landed a recurring spot on One Tree Hill as Owen Morello before becoming the werewolf Alcide Herveaux on HBO’s vampire hit True Blood.

Not long afterward, his film career started cooking. He was “Big Dick Richie in Magic Mike (2012) and paired with Arnold Schwarzenegger for the thriller Sabotage (2014). In addition to a string of comedies, Manganiello put his action-star frame to use in the Dwayne Johnson-led video game adaptation Rampage (2018). He also hosted Deal or No Deal Island for both of its seasons and appeared in the dramedy Nonnas (2025).

The actor is also a Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast, becoming a major creative force as a writer and ambassador for the brand. He is currently working on the first official Dungeons & Dragons documentary and also appeared in the second season of One Piece as Mr. 0.

Manganiello was married to actress Sofía Vergara from 2015 to 2024. He got engaged to actress Caitlin O’Connor in 2025.

Bill Nunn (Robbie Robertson)

Bill Nunn as Robbie Robertson in 'Spider-Man'; Bill Nunn attends the 25th anniversary screening of 'Do the Right Thing' at the closing night of the 2014 BAMcinemaFest at BAM Harvey Theater on June 29, 2014, in BrooklynCredit: Columbia Pictures; Noam Galai/WireImage

Bill Nunn is Robbie Robertson, the Daily Bugle editor who disagrees with JJJ's all-consuming hatred of Spider-Man.

The veteran actor was a constant presence during the ’90s and 2000s and a frequent collaborator with Spike Lee, including his unforgettable turn as Radio Raheem in Do the Right Thing (1989). After Spider-Man, he was featured prominently in such films as Runaway Jury (2003) and the Outkast musical, Idlewild (2006). He was also a ubiquitous guest star on TV before landing regular gigs on Denis Leary's The Job and the Leary-created sitcom Sirens.

Nunn died in 2016 from leukemia at age 63. He was survived by his wife, Donna, and two children.

Ron Perkins (Dr. Mendel Stromm)

Ron Perkins as Dr. Mendel Stromm in 'Spider-Man'Credit: Netflix

Ron Perkins plays Norman Osborn's head scientist, Dr. Mendel Stromm — a character who became a supervillain himself in the original 1960s comic books.

In the years since Spider-Man, Perkins has appeared in Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige (2006), reunited with Spider-Man costar J.K. Simmons in Being the Ricardos, and guested on House, Veep, Parks and Recreation, Modern Family, and Dirty John.

on Entertainment Weekly

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