Where Is the Spider-Man 2002 Cast Now? Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe

The Original Spider-Man Cast: Where Are They Now?

The 2002 film Spider-Man kickstarted the modern era of superhero movies. With Tobey Maguire in the starring role, the movie brought Spider-Man - and the spectacle of Spider-Man swinging through the skies of New York City - to life on the big screen for the first time.

Of course, a superhero blockbuster is only as good as its cast. Here's a look at where the stars of the original Spider-Man movie are today.

Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker / Spider-Man

As one of the first big superhero roles outside of Christopher Reeve's Superman and Michael Keaton's Batman, Tobey Maguire defined the role of Spider-Man for a generation. He portrayed a nerdy, shy, and awkward Peter Parker who gains immense powers and grows into a hero.

Today, at 47 years old, Maguire's most notable role since hanging up the Spidey suit has been in The Great Gatsby. While he has appeared in various movies, Maguire seems to have transitioned into more of an inactive phase as an actor, preferring to step back from blockbuster films.

Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson

As Spider-Man's redheaded love interest, Mary Jane Watson, Kirsten Dunst lit up the screen in the original Spider-Man trilogy. Her on-screen chemistry with Maguire was one of the high points of the series.

In the years since playing Mary Jane, Dunst has appeared in acclaimed films such as Melancholia and The Power of the Dog, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Now 40 years old, Dunst remains an active leading lady in Hollywood.

Willem Dafoe as Norman Osborn / Green Goblin

Legendary actor Willem Dafoe took on the role of Norman Osborn, aka the villainous Green Goblin, in 2002's Spider-Man. As Spider-Man's nemesis, Dafoe delivered a scary and unhinged performance that set the bar high for future superhero movie villains.

Since 2002, the now 67-year-old Dafoe has appeared in acclaimed films such a The Florida Project, receiving his fourth Oscar nomination along the way. He even returned to the Spider-Man franchise in 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home.

James Franco as Harry Osborn

As Norman Osborn's son and Peter Parker's best friend, James Franco played Harry Osborn in the original Spider-Man trilogy. In the later films, Harry takes on his own villainous persona as the second incarnation of the Green Goblin.

Now 44 years old, Franco has become better known in recent years for sexual misconduct allegations and various controversies than for his eclectic acting career. But in the early 2000s, Franco was viewed as an up-and-coming young actor after his role in the Spider-Man franchise.

J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson

J.K. Simmons left an indelible mark on the Spider-Man mythos with his portrayal of Daily Bugle editor J. Jonah Jameson. As the blustery, cigar-chomping newsman, Simmons stole every scene he was in while berating Spider-Man at every opportunity.

Simmons, now 67, went on to become an Oscar winner for his intense performance in 2014's Whiplash. Though Jameson was recast for later Spider-Man films after Maguire's departure, Simmons made a triumphant return to the role in the MCU Spider-Man movies starring Tom Holland.

FAQs

Where is Tobey Maguire now? What is he doing?

Tobey Maguire, who played Peter Parker/Spider-Man, is now 47 years old. He seems to have transitioned into more of an inactive phase as an actor after 2002's Spider-Man, preferring to step back from blockbuster films. His most notable role since hanging up the Spider-Man suit was in 2013's The Great Gatsby.

What happened to Kirsten Dunst after playing Mary Jane?

In the years since playing Mary Jane Watson, Kirsten Dunst has appeared in acclaimed films such as Melancholia and The Power of the Dog, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2021. Now 40 years old, Dunst remains an active leading lady in Hollywood.

Is Willem Dafoe still acting? What recent roles has he had?

Yes, at 67 years old, legendary actor Willem Dafoe is still very active in films. Since 2002's Spider-Man, he has appeared in acclaimed projects such a The Florida Project, receiving his fourth Oscar nomination. He even returned to the Spider-Man franchise in 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home, reprising his Green Goblin role.

Did J.K. Simmons play J. Jonah Jameson again after 2002?

Yes, after first playing the Daily Bugle editor J. Jonah Jameson in 2002's Spider-Man, J.K. Simmons later returned to the role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Spider-Man movies starring Tom Holland. So despite other recastings, Simmons' version of Jameson still appears in current Spider-Man films.