Key Takeaways:
– Tobey Maguire's initially proposed symbiote suit for Spider-Man 3 was drastically different from the final version.
– The original design was compromised, offering a plain and unattractive look.
– The final streamlined black suit was well appreciated by the audience.
– Pop icon Michael Jackson was keen on playing Spider-Man and even considered buying Marvel.
Tobey Maguire's First Spider-Man Role
In 2002, Tobey Maguire earned his spot in superhero history by becoming the first live-action Spider-Man. Thanks to director Sam Raimi, Maguire had the chance to lay the foundations for this much-loved character, initially in a trilogy and later in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With Maguire at the helm, the combo of actor and director worked on two more films, rounding off a highly successful trilogy.
Maguire Dons the Black Suit
In the 2007 movie Spider-Man 3, Maguire's character underwent a radical transformation. Peter Parker, generally known in his red and blue suit, swaps it for a black one. This shift happens due to an alien symbiote, which also changes Spider-Man's temperament, tuning him into a more aggressive and violent individual.
The Disastrous Initial Symbiote Suit Design
While this transformation was hugely pivotal, one of the major influences was the black suit design. But did you know the black suit could have looked entirely different? Original design proposals were far from the final result. An online user shared some pictures showing what could have been if the first designs had been accepted.
The initial design was far from flattering and would have lacked the practicality required for the action scenes. It ditched the intricate patterns that the audience had come to associate with Spider-Man. Instead, it opted for a flat black leathery texture that didn't quite hit the mark. Thankfully, the cool and sleek black symbiote suit that we know today was the one which made its way onto the silverscreen.
Michael Jackson as Spider-Man?
While Tobey Maguire undoubtedly defined the character, the late pop king Michael Jackson apparently had his eyes on the role too. As an avid comic book fan, Jackson considered buying the Marvel franchise to realize his dream of playing the live-action Spider-Man according to Screen Rant. Stan Lee, the creator of Spider-Man, confirmed Jackson's intent.
Sadly, Michael Jackson's dream to appear as Spider-Man never materialized for reasons unknown. It could have been an exciting prospect to see a dancing Spider-Man, but also possibly concerning given the controversies in Jackson's life. However, the chances of this became history when Marvel decided to sign Tobey Maguire for the role.
Maguire's Spider-Man and the handling of the infamous black suit remain iconic moments in superhero movie history. The actor's original symbiote suit indeed reveals that the final sleek design was a welcome change, saved from what could have been a disastrous fashion mishap. It's also a fun note to think about the what-ifs in casting, with a world where Michael Jackson might have been Spider-Man.
For now, you can enjoy the culmination of Sam Raimi's and Tobey Maguire's collaboration with the treasured Spider-Man trilogy streaming on Disney+.
