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Entertainment • Film

The Amazing Spider-Man

The Amazing Spider-Man is a 2012 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Amazing Spider-Man is a 2012 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man. Directed by Marc Webb, it is a reboot of the earlier Spider-Man film series and stars Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker, with Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans in supporting roles. The film was released theatrically on July 3, 2012, and distributed by Sony Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Premise

The film follows teenager Peter Parker as he balances high school life, personal questions about his parents, and his new life as Spider-Man after gaining spider-like powers.

Production

The movie was directed by Marc Webb and written by James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent, and Steve Kloves from a story by Vanderbilt. It was produced as a reboot rather than a continuation of the earlier film series.

Cast

The principal cast includes Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, and Rhys Ifans as Dr. Curt Connors. Other credited cast members include Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, Martin Sheen, and Sally Field.

Release

The Amazing Spider-Man premiered in theatres in the United States on July 3, 2012. It was later made available on home and streaming platforms, including Disney+ and Netflix listings that identify it as a 2012 title.

Key facts

  • Reboot of the Spider-Man film series.
  • Story follows Peter Parker after gaining spider-like abilities.
  • Andrew Garfield stars as Peter Parker/Spider-Man.
  • Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans play supporting roles.
  • Released theatrically on July 3, 2012, by Sony Pictures/Columbia Pictures.
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Canadian context

The film was widely distributed in Canada as part of the international release of a major Hollywood superhero franchise, and it remains familiar to Canadian audiences through theatrical, television, and streaming availability.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Amazing Spider-Man?
It is a 2012 American superhero film about Peter Parker becoming Spider-Man.
Who directed The Amazing Spider-Man?
Marc Webb directed the film.
Who stars in The Amazing Spider-Man?
The film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, and Rhys Ifans.
When was The Amazing Spider-Man released?
It was released in U.S. theatres on July 3, 2012.
Is The Amazing Spider-Man a reboot?
Yes. It is described as a reboot of the Spider-Man film series.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amazing_Spider-Man_(film)
    Supports: Identifies the film as a 2012 American superhero reboot directed by Marc Webb, with cast and basic premise.
  2. Marvel — https://www.marvel.com/movies/the-amazing-spider-man
    Supports: Provides official film identification, release date, and synopsis.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0948470/
    Supports: Lists plot summary, principal cast, and film details.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_amazing_spider_man
    Supports: Provides synopsis, director, producer, screenwriter, runtime, genre, and release information.
  5. Disney+ — https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-f43ffe63-2c96-4b6c-8fae-84d0d22d6466
    Supports: Lists runtime, release year, genre, director, and cast.
  6. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70208599
    Supports: Lists year, rating, genre, synopsis, and principal cast.