This Is What The Cast Of Spider-Man Looks Like 20 Years After The Movie Premiered
"This Is My Gift, My Curse. Who Am I? I'm Spider-Man."
Two decades after Sam Raimi's Spider-Man first hit theaters, the cast still has a hold on pop culture. Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, and the rest of the ensemble helped turn a comic book origin story into a movie that people still recognize instantly.
What makes this reunion so fun is seeing how closely those characters are tied to the actors who played them. From Peter Parker and Mary Jane to Green Goblin, Aunt May, and J. Jonah Jameson, the first Spider-Man trilogy left behind a lineup that fans have not forgotten.
Here is a look back at the cast then and now, and the nostalgia still lands hard.
Let's start with our friendly neighborhood web-slinger when he appeared in the movie by Sam Raimi
© Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection Here is Tobey Maguire now, strolling the neighborhood 20 years later
Tobey Maguire Bg004 / GC Images / Getty Images Mary Jane, or MJ, had her own struggles when it came to career and relationships
© Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
It's great that Kirsten Dunst, in real life, is thriving twenty years later
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Willem Dafoe, who played Norman Osborn, better known in the villain world as the Green Goblin
Fun fact about Willem Dafoe: he tried to get into character as much as possible and requested to perform whatever stunts they would allow him. It turns out he's a pro, having learned to operate the Goblin glider within 15 minutes.
© Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Willem Dafoe now is more dashing than scary
Steve Granitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images
Harry Osborn played different roles throughout the trilogy as his character progressed
© Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Here's James Franco now, after starring in many films over the span of 20 years
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Speaking of marriage rumors, Zendaya’s mother, Claire Stoermer, shut down claims about a secret Tom Holland wedding.
Uncle Ben will always be a classic character in any superhero film
© Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Sadly, Cliff Robertson has passed, but this is him when he attended the premiere of Spider-Man 3
Michael Loccisano / FilmMagic / Getty Images
You could always turn to Aunt May if you need words of wisdom
Here's a lovely quote from her:
"I believe there's a hero in all of us that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble, and finally allows us to die with pride, even though sometimes we have to be steady and give up the thing we want the most."
Rosemary Harris in Spider-Man © Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Rosemary Harris is the woman who brought life to Aunt May's character
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Although J. Jonah Jameson has shown his dislike for Spider-Man, it's very apparent how he contributes to the lighthearted moments in the film
© Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
This is J.K. Simmons now, still looking sharp as ever
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Betty Brant might have only passed messages here and there, but she did her job well
Photo 12 / Alamy
Now, Elizabeth Banks is known as a triple threat with her acting, directing, and producing skills
Eric Mccandless / ABC via Getty Images
Who can forget Flash Thompson when he was constantly bullying Peter?
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Joe Manganiello's personality and aura are far from that of a high school jock
Rich Fury / Getty Images for Vanity Fair
Twenty years later, Sam Raimi's Spider-Man transcends through the memories of people who found inspiration in its story and characters
© Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Who can blame them when the movie is *chef's kiss*
© Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Peter Parker was special in many ways, from being a science genius to an all-around humble guy. It was obvious how he carried his values even when he was struck down multiple times.
Stan Lee said something in a 2015 interview that resonated with the hearts of those who wished to be like Spider-Man: "What I like about the costume is that anybody reading Spider-Man in any part of the world can imagine that they themselves are under the costume. And that’s a good thing."
What did you love about Spider-Man? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
For more “how did that even happen?” moments, read about Hollywood stars who wanted the Earth to swallow them whole.