WOODBURY—Tobey, Andrew, and Tom: these are the names behind Spider-Man’s biggest actors. One of the most heated debates among Spiderman fans is, “Who is the best Spider-Man?”
For NHS fans, this question is more controversial than it may seem. A direct answer from campus’ web-heads, is a sticky one.
With the highly anticipated new Tom Holland Spider-Man movie dropping this July 31st—expected to be the darkest of Tom’s movies, as Peter Parker faces deeper struggles due to The consequences from No Way Home—the debate has grown to new heights. While Tom is the main character of the film and everyone is excited to see him come back, there’s also a wave of excitement for the inclusion of fan-favorite actors and characters like Jon Bernthal as Punisher.
The Original: Tobey Maguire
Tobey Maguire was the first to don the web-slinger’s suit in Sam Raimi’s original Spider-Man trilogy. For many fans, young and old, he remains the iconic Spider-Man. Most of Tobey’s stardom comes from the memorable supporting cast: James Franco as Harry Osborn, Willem Dafoe as Green Goblin, J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson, Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus, and Kirsten Dunst as MJ.
“Tobey Maguire is the best Spider-Man because he really shows what Peter Parker is going through and makes you care about him,” says Sophomore Liam McGrath. “The original Spider-Man movies had awesome villains like Green Goblin and Doc Ock, which made everything feel intense and exciting. Tobey just nailed the role and made Spider-Man super memorable for everyone who watched.”
Maguire is widely considered to have portrayed the most faithful Peter Parker, with a relatable vulnerability and earnestness. Thanks to the trilogy’s enduring legacy and its cast of unforgettable characters, Tobey is a top contender for the title of best Spider-Man.
The Cool One: Andrew Garfield
With Andrew Garfield often being considered the “cool” Spider-Man, he’s known for his Spiderman’s, agility, fluid movements, and witty, sarcastic quips. With his films not featuring the widest cast or one iconic as the others, he still has great characters such as Jamie Foxx’s Electro, Rhys Ifans’ Lizard, Dane DeHaan’s Harry Osborn, and what many consider the best love interest in the franchises: Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacy. The chemistry between Garfield and Stone, both on and off screen being one reason it’s a fan favorite love story not to mention it’s tragic end.
“Honestly, Andrew Garfield was such an underrated Spider-Man,” says Brody Butterly. “He brought this realness and heart to the character that’s hard to beat, and his chemistry with Gwen was just next level. Like, their relationship felt so real it made the whole story way more emotional. He’s definitely an amazing Spidey, and I think he deserves way more credit.”
Garfield’s Spider-Man has both of his beloved suits and brings a slightly darker, more mature tone to the character and series. He’s a favorite among teens, however his popularity spreads to adults and children alike.
The Cinematic: Tom Holland
Tom Holland, the current Spider-Man, is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which instantly boosted his popularity. His Spider-Man gets to interact with other fan-favorite heroes like Iron Man and Captain America. Holland also has the most Spider-Man movies under his belt, along with introducing new memorable characters such as Zendaya’s MJ, Jacob Batalon’s Ned Leeds, and Jake Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio.
“Tom Holland is the best Spider-Man because he’s not just a great Peter Parker, he’s actually part of the bigger Marvel universe,” says Keegan PInkney, Nonnewaug sophomore. “Seeing him team up with Iron Man and the Avengers makes Spider-Man feel like a real part of the MCU, not just off on his own. It adds so much more to his story and lets us see him grow alongside other heroes. That’s something none of the other Spider-Men had, and it just makes his character way more interesting and important.”
With him playing Spiderman the longest, Holland has worn the most suits and faced the widest variety of villains including those from both the Maguire and Garfield eras, thanks to the MCU’s multiverse storylines.
The Debate Continues
Whether you prefer the nostalgia and heart of Maguire, the wit and style of Garfield, or the versatility and MCU connections of Holland, each actor has brought something unique to the legendary role. With each new movie, the debate over who is the best Spider-Man only gets more intense–and the debate rages on within NHS and on the world wide (spider) web.
