The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Spider-Man (2002 film)
Entertainment • Film

Spider-Man (2002 film)

Spider-Man is a 2002 American superhero film directed by Sam Raimi and based on the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Spider-Man is a 2002 American superhero film directed by Sam Raimi and based on the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man. It stars Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, who gains spider-like abilities after being bitten by a genetically engineered spider and becomes the masked hero Spider-Man while confronting the Green Goblin. The film was the first entry in Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy and was released theatrically on May 3, 2002.

Plot

The story follows Peter Parker, a shy teenager who gains spider-like abilities after being bitten by a genetically engineered spider. He adopts the identity Spider-Man and faces Norman Osborn, who becomes the Green Goblin.

Production

Spider-Man was directed by Sam Raimi from a screenplay by David Koepp. It was produced by Columbia Pictures and Laura Ziskin Productions in association with Marvel Enterprises.

Cast

The principal cast includes Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, and Rosemary Harris.

Release and reception

The film premiered in 2002 and became a major superhero release of its era. It is widely identified as a key early entry in the modern superhero film cycle.

Key facts

  • The film is based on the Marvel Comics superhero Spider-Man.
  • It was directed by Sam Raimi and is the first film in his Spider-Man trilogy.
  • Tobey Maguire plays Peter Parker, whose powers come from a genetically engineered spider bite.
  • Willem Dafoe plays Norman Osborn, also known as the Green Goblin.
  • The film was released theatrically on May 3, 2002.
🍁
Canadian context

The film was released and distributed in Canada as part of the same international theatrical rollout of a major Hollywood superhero franchise, and it is commonly referenced by Canadian viewers as a landmark Spider-Man adaptation.

Frequently asked questions

What is Spider-Man (2002 film) about?
It follows Peter Parker after a spider bite gives him powers, leading him to become Spider-Man and fight the Green Goblin.
Who directed Spider-Man (2002)?
Sam Raimi directed the film.
Who plays Peter Parker?
Tobey Maguire plays Peter Parker.
Who is the villain in Spider-Man (2002)?
The main villain is Norman Osborn, who becomes the Green Goblin, played by Willem Dafoe.
When was the film released?
It was released on May 3, 2002.
Is Spider-Man (2002) part of a series?
Yes. It is the first film in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider-Man_(2002_film)
    Supports: Director, cast, premise, and trilogy placement.
  2. Marvel — https://www.marvel.com/movies/spider-man
    Supports: Release date, director, cast, and plot overview.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spiderman
    Supports: Runtime, genre, rating, cast, and synopsis.