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Sam Raimi Hasn’t Had The Guts To Watch The Amazing Spider-Man

When it was announced that ​The Amazing Spider-Man​ would be rebooting Sam Raimi's ​Spider-Man Trilogy ​a mere 5 years after ​​Spider-Man 3 ​hit theaters, many were extremely confused as to why a reboot was coming instead of a sequel, this writer included.

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When it was announced that The Amazing Spider-Man would be rebooting Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man Trilogy a mere 5 years after Spider-Man 3 hit theaters, many were extremely confused as to why a reboot was coming instead of a sequel, this writer included.

I went into every part of Marc Webb’s film skeptical. An Englishman playing Peter Parker? No Mary Jane? A comic film directed by a music video/rom-com director? But when I first saw The Amazing Spider-Man in theaters all hesitation was thrown aside and I was completely blown away. And I wasn’t the only one, prompting many to wonder what Raimi’s thoughts on the new film are. Was he as blown away as many audience members were?

Well the answer is no, Raimi wasn’t blown away, but not because he thought the film was bad, rather because he still hasn’t seen it.

When asked about why he hadn’t seen it, his reply didn’t sound as much bitter as it did fearful. Fearful of that possibility that Webb’s movie would indeed surpass his own. Check out that quote below.

Well, I’m a big Marc Webb fan and a giant fan of Emma Stone. And of Andrew Garfield. I saw him on Broadway in “Death of a Salesman” — it’s just brilliant. And I love the producers of that movie because they are dear friends, and the writer. But, I haven’t had the guts to go see the movie yet. Because I don’t want to go to my girlfriend’s wedding. I just can’t bring myself to do it. I don’t have the guts. But, I hear it’s great. My wife even loved the picture and said it was a wonderful, excellently produced, beautifully acted, brilliantly written Spider-Man picture. She’d tell me the truth and that’s what she said.

When asked about the weird position Webb may been in, Raimi was even more complimentary of his Spidey successor.

I don’t feel he was in my shadow at all. I think I handed the torch to Marc and I hear that he ran with it and succeeded and made a brilliant picture. I’m happy for him and all the team. And I only wish him the best and I salute them because it’s a tough job, too. And obviously he’s pleased the fans — so, I’m proud for him. I’m happy for my friends on the picture.

I understand Raimi’s hesitation here, especially considering I think The Amazing Spider-Man surpasses his trilogy in just about every way. Don’t get me wrong, I loved his trilogy. At the time those were my favorite superhero films. But as a fan of the character, Webb’s film was just on another level, not only in accuracy to the comics, but in casting and story as well.

That being said, Webb was definitely influenced by what Raimi did, it’d be impossible for him not to have been, so go on Sam, pick up the Blu-ray and see the masterpiece that your work helped spawn.

What do you think of Raimi’s comments about The Amazing Spider-Man? Which portrayal of the character did you like better? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.