| Tobey Maguire | |
 | |
| Birth Name: | Tobias Vincent Maguire |
| Date of Birth: | June 27, 1975 |
| Birthplace: | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Characters Portrayed: | Spider-Man |
Tobey Maguire is an actor and film producer. He played the title role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the Spider-Man films.
Spider-Man
In 2002, Maguire shot to superstardom as the web-slinging superhero Spider-Man in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, based on the popular Marvel comic book character. He reprised his role as Spider-Man in Spider-Man 2 (2004) and Spider-Man 3 (2007) and has vocally reprised his role of Spider-Man in the video game adaptations of the films.
Maguire's performance as Spider-Man initially earned him some glowing reviews. For instance, Mark Caro of the Chicago Tribune felt that "with his big, round, soulful eyes, Maguire always has been able to convey a sense of wonder, and his instinct for understatement also serves him well here". Towards the third part of the franchise, the actor experienced some backlash in the media. "For his part, Mr. Maguire needs to stop relying on those great big peepers of his: simply widening your eyes to attract attention does not cut it when you’re over 30", remarked Manohla Dargis of the New York Times in her review of Spider-Man 3.
At the time of Spider-Man 3’s release, Maguire had not yet signed on for another sequel, but denied reports that he would not return for a fourth movie, stating, "I feel like the stories all deserve to be told, and, you know, if... the whole team wants to get back together, and we feel like we can make a good movie that's worth making, then I'm up for it." In September 2008, The Sunday Times reported that Maguire had signed a contract for USD$50M to reprise the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Spider-Man 4 and Spider-Man 5, with both films shooting over a period of six months back-to-back in 2010. The contract also contains provisions for Maguire to take time off in the early mornings and late evenings during shooting to spend time with his wife Jennifer and their children, daughter Ruby, born November 10, 2006, and son Otis, born May 8, 2009. The precedent-setting provision was granted by Sony Pictures Chairman Amy Pascal, herself a mother.
Collaborations
Maguire starred in the 1999 film The Cider House Rules alongside fellow Raimi trilogy actor J.K. Simmons. He also starred in the 2003 film Seabiscuit with fellow Spider-Man actress Elizabeth Banks and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 star Chris Cooper.
