This week’s poll is a classic superhero standoff, because there can really be only one Spiderman, right? In today’s era of sequels, prequels, reboots, relaunches and retakes, we have had two handsome brunette actors portray the wily Peter Parker in the past decade and a half. Who has done it better?
Toby Maguire vs. Andrew Garfield
Toby Maguire
Bringing out the softer, more sensitive side of the student photographer-turned- spider-mutant, Tobey Maguire carried the three films in the ‘original’ franchise that ended only 7 years ago. Tobey has always been very good at acting kooky, shy and kind, as seen in films like Pleasantville and The Ice Storm. This brought a very human side to Spidey, which audiences enjoyed, but after the first two films the charm faded and by Spider-Man 3, most folks were over it. But that kiss with Mary Jane aka Kirsten Dunst in the first installment is still killer!
Andrew Garfield
For a more tortured and nuanced Peter Parker, we have had the pleasure of seeing Oscar Nominee Andrew Garfield (of the superb Social Network) take on the role of Peter in what many considered to be a fun but largely unnecessary reboot of the series, The Amazing Spider-Man in 2012. Now, a sequel is about to hit, with Peter facing off against Electro (Jamie Foxx) and Rhino (Paul Giamatti). The question is, does Garfield’s chemistry with Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy rival the sparks that flew with the original pair? Watch the sequel to find out!