Sony seems keen on having Tobey Maguire back in the Spider-Man 3 franchise by hook or by crook. The latest rumors suggest that the actor is also interested in playing the role of Uncle Ben.
Maguire starred as Spider-Man/Peter Parker in the trilogy directed by Sam Raimi, which was released in theaters from 2002 to 2007. Rumors surfaced in September that the studio would like him to reprise his superhero role for a multi-universe storyline in the upcoming Spider-Man 3 with Tom Holland.
However, reports now say that Maguire might also play Peter’s Uncle Ben, and there’s actually a storyline that will tie to how the actor returns as the webbed hero.
Apparently, Holland’s character will encounter Maguire in a multi-verse and assume that he is his dead uncle. He’ll realize later on that Maguire’s character is another version of himself.
If this plan works out, it will apparently pave the way for Maguire to join the film in a bigger capacity to play Uncle Ben in the flashback scenes.
Andrew Garfield’s issues with Sony
Sony also wants Andrew Garfield to return as the other Spider-Man in the multiverse. He wore the webbed costume for The Amazing Spider-Man movies in 2012 and 2014 with director Marc Webb.
A representative from the studio, however, said that Maguire and Garfield’s casting is still not confirmed. Apparently, Garfield’s hesitation comes from his troubled experience with Sony.
Garfield apparently griped about the lack of depth for his character in an interview with Variety years ago. The actor said he was “heartbroken” about how his Spider-Man movie turned out.
“I signed up to serve the story and to serve this incredible character that I’ve been dressing as since I was three, and then it gets compromised and it breaks my heart,” Garfield said.
Latest news and production details
Meanwhile, Spider-Man 3 is almost ready to begin filming in Atlanta after Holland announced that he’s now in the state after work on his other Sony movie (Uncharted) wrapped up.
Also spotted on the set is Jacob Batalon, who plays Peter’s best friend, Ned Leeds. According to Cinema Blend, Batalon has been posting photos from the set on social media, and many noticed his weight loss. Whether or not that new slim frame figures into the story of the third plot is something that fans will have to wait and see.
Spider-Man 3 is scheduled for a December 2021 release after a production delay due to the pandemic. Jamie Foxx is also in the movie as Electro, while Benedict Cumberbatch will guide Spidey as Doctor Strange.
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