Five Ways to Save Spider-Man 4 and 5

Posted by Josh Radde (josh@filmschoolrejects.com) on October 22, 2008

I know we don’t like thinking about Spider-Man much these days. That third movie truly put a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth, and with the news that Tobey Maguire will do a 4th and 5th installment (with returning director Sam Raimi), things didn’t seem to get much better. But with that in mind, I think we need to look at some things that could be positive about Spider-Man sequels.

Elizabeth Banks (Betty Brant), whose only significant role in any film before the original Spider-Man was the amazing cult comedy Wet, Hot American Summer, was recently asked by Devin at CHUD about her potential involvement in any Spider-Man sequels. She replied “I’m the last person they call.” Banks also indicated that if the part they would offer was as small as the cameo she had in the first three films she wouldn’t do it, stating “If it’s that small, I probably won’t do it. They don’t need Betty Brant. It’s purely, at this point – and I don’t think they see it this way – it’s kind of a favor at this point.”

Well, here’s a quick fix: Offer Banks a larger role in Spider-Man 4. With Peter Parker and Mary-Jane’s engagement in turmoil and their relationship questionable at the end of Spider-Man 3, what better time than to bring on a new love interest. And I don’t mean a Bryce Dallas Howard return, but Banks could actually get some screen time (and hopefully a better wig) as Betty Brant. Banks is a feisty actress and is proving with lead roles in Zach and Miri Make a Porno, W., and next month’s Role Models that she can carry a film. She’s attractive, funny, and has real acting chops. I think she’d be a major upgrade over Kirsten Dunst, who I think we’re all getting sick of as tired ol’ Mary-Jane.

Besides, more Betty Brant equals more J. Jonah Jameson. J. K. Simmons is an absolute delight in the role of Peter Parker’s boss at the Daily Bugle. Since the first film, Simmons has shot up to pseudo-stardom, with lead roles in last year’s smash Juno, The Ladykillers, and the hit cable show “The Closer.” He’s always brought his A-game to the role of Jameson, the egotistical, brash, and fast-talkin’ editor and has always been a delight to watch, a bright spot in the black hole that was Spider-Man 3.

And if we’re bringing back characters who were already established, we might as well make a villain out of it. Dylan Baker appeared in Spider-Man 2 as Parker’s college professor Dr. Curt Connors. People familiar with the comic book know that Connors will become The Lizard. But it would be irresponsible to just throw Baker into that role immediately. It might be interesting to see a mentor-mentee relationship with him and Parker first. In Spider-Man 4, Dr. Connors could help Peter/Spider-Man take down a villain. In the comics, Connors helped Spider-Man defeat Rhino, a villain with superhuman strength thanks to a polymer suit (kinda similar in a way to Venom) but not the sharpest tool in the shed, mentally. That villain could lead to some good character work with Connors, introducing his love for his wife and son, and also set-up The Lizard as a foe for Spider-Man for a film and a half.

The Lizard is one of the old-school super villains in Spider-Man, and we know that Sam Raimi LOVES old-school Spider-Man. He voiced displeasure with having to put Venom in Spider-Man 3, and that displeasure led to a lack of interest and screen-time for the fan-favorite villain. We saw what Sam Raimi can do when his interest is piqued, as Spider-Man 1 and 2 were well directed and, more importantly, took themselves seriously as comic book films. It’s become apparent that to get Raimi to dedicate to a film, we need to give him something that he likes. He’s already expressed interest in having Dylan Baker return stating (via Filmonic) “I’m definitely hoping to work with Dylan in the picture. I just don’t know who the villain is yet.” So it’s still up in the air, but hopefully Sony Pres. Amy Pascal gives Raimi the reins and doesn’t force him to tell a story he doesn’t want to this time around.

Finally, in addition to Sam Raimi caring about the story, Tobey Maguire needs to bring back the Parker we know and love. Maguire was good in the first two Spider-Man installments (especially 2), but seemed out-of-sorts in the third. Maybe it was because he didn’t like the script. Maybe it was because they asked him to play evil, emo Spider-Man in addition to making him participate in some of the most atrociously bad scenes put to celluloid in some time (i.e. the jazz club scene). But it’s been reported that he’ll receive $50 million to play Parker/Spider-Man, so the pressure is on for him to create a likable and relateable hero once again. Maguire is a good actor (and holds the distinguished honor of being recipient of MTV Movie Awards’ “Best Kiss” as well) and as long as we get a Parker who will spout corny jokes and a dorky guy who we can all root for to save the world and get the girl, it’ll work.

With great paycheck comes great responsibility.

Do you have hope for the Spider-Man sequels?

| | Read more articles by Josh Radde