Web chat: Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire
discuss sticking points in Spider-Man 2.
e won’t admit it, but Spider-Man director Sam Raimi shares many of the comic
hero’s most appealing qualities. Like Peter Parker—Spider-Man’s mild-mannered alter
ego—Raimi is bright, soft-spoken, very polite, doesn’t crave attention and always
wants to do the right thing. And, just like Peter Parker, Raimi realized early on that he was entrusted with an enor-
mous responsibility when he was chosen to direct the first two installments of Marvel Comics’ most beloved superhero. For Raimi—who developed a strong cult audience after directing the 1981 horror film The Evil Dead, followed by critical acclaim with Army of Darkness and
A Simple Plan—Spider-Man was the gig of a lifetime. His passion for the character—and, as he’d be the first to admit, a tremendously talented
cast and crew—helped Spidey become a box-office marvel. Both films have set numerous
theatrical records. Of course, a superhero’s work is never done. Raimi is now feverishly working on Spider-
Man
3, scheduled to open in 2007. In a recent telephone interview, The Connection posed some questions to the articulate director, husband and father of four. He spoke humbly about his new superhero Hollywood status and his admiration for Peter Parker, and revealed the sticky details of his most chal-
lenging—and gratifying—job.
