Spider-Man's Legacy: Stars' Careers Soar

0:00On May 3rd, it's wild to think Sam Raimi Spider-Man hit theaters on May 3rd 2002, kicking off the modern superhero boom with Toby, McGuire as the web-slinging Peter Parker. That flick launched careers and packed theaters, and now, 24 years on, the main cast is scattered into all corners of Hollywood from Oscars, to Blockbusters. Toby McGuire wrote high post-trilogy with hits like Sea Biscuit and the Great Gatsby, but he's kept a low profile lately, popping back as Spider-Man in, no way home. Kirsten Dunst crushed it as Mary Jane, grabbing an Oscar nod for the power of the dog, and starring in Civil War, while building a family with hubby, Jesse Plyments. Willem DeFoe owned the Green Goblin and never slowed, snagging Oscar nods for the Florida Project and poor things, plus villain turns in Aquaman and Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice. James Franco peaked with pineapple express and an Oscar nom for 127 hours, but allegations hit his stride hard.

1:01J.K. Simmons turned J. Jonah Jameson into a franchise staple, won an Oscar for Whiplash, and keeps stacking roles in everything from Justice League to red one. Elizabeth Banks blew up from Betty Brandt to directing pitch perfect and hosting Pressure Luck, and Joe Manganiello flexed from Flash Thompson to Magic Mike in Dungeons & Dragons gigs. These folks proved once swing can change everything. Some still soaring, others pivoting smooth, but that 2002 vibe echoes in every cab. Flick today. That's your update from Entertainment and Celebrity News today, powered by AI.