# Spider-Man

> 2002 film directed by Sam Raimi

**Wikidata**: [Q484442](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q484442)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider-Man_(2002_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spider-man

## Summary  
Spider-Man is a 2002 American superhero film directed by Sam Raimi, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Produced by Columbia Pictures and Marvel Entertainment, it blends science fiction, drama, action, and superhero genres, starring Tobey Maguire as the titular character. The film was released in multiple countries between May and June 2002, revitalizing the superhero film genre and launching a successful franchise.  

## Key Facts  
- **Release Dates**: May 3, 2002 (premiere), May 5 (Germany), May 10 (Japan), May 16 (UK), May 17 (US), June 6 (France), June 12 (Italy), June 23 (South Korea).  
- **Directed By**: Sam Raimi.  
- **Production Companies**: Columbia Pictures, Marvel Entertainment.  
- **Genres**: Science fiction film, drama film, superhero film, action film.  
- **Preceded By**: None (first in the trilogy).  
- **Succeeded By**: *Spider-Man 2* (2004).  
- **Website**: http://spiderman.sonypictures.com/.  
- **Sitelink Count**: 83.  
- **Based On**: Spider-Man (Marvel Comics character, created in August 1962).  
- **Cast**: J. K. Simmons (as J. Jonah Jameson).  
- **Country**: United States.  

## FAQs  
**Q: Who directed the 2002 Spider-Man film?**  
A: Sam Raimi directed the film, which launched the live-action Spider-Man film franchise.  

**Q: What companies produced Spider-Man?**  
A: The film was produced by Columbia Pictures and Marvel Entertainment, with Marvel having been established in 1998.  

**Q: What genres does the film belong to?**  
A: It combines elements of science fiction, drama, superhero, and action films.  

**Q: When was Spider-Man released in different countries?**  
A: Release dates varied globally, including May 3 (premiere), May 5 (Germany), May 17 (US), and June 23 (South Korea).  

**Q: What films are part of the same series?**  
A: The film was followed by *Spider-Man 2* (2004), also directed by Raimi.  

**Q: Who portrayed J. Jonah Jameson in the film?**  
A: J. K. Simmons played the role, contributing to the film’s critical acclaim.  

## Why It Matters  
The 2002 *Spider-Man* film is significant for revitalizing the superhero genre in the early 2000s, proving its commercial viability and paving the way for modern comic book adaptations. As a collaboration between Columbia Pictures (founded in 1918) and Marvel Entertainment (established in 1998), it demonstrated the potential of comic-to-film adaptations. The film’s success—both critically and financially—solidified Spider-Man’s status as a cultural icon and influenced subsequent superhero films, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Its blend of action, drama, and coming-of-age themes resonated broadly, making it a landmark in superhero storytelling.  

## Notable For  
- First live-action Spider-Man film in the Sam Raimi trilogy.  
- Revitalized the superhero film genre post-2000.  
- Launched the careers of Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man and J. K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson.  
- Achieved global box office success, grossing over $821 million.  
- Faithful adaptation of the Marvel Comics character (created in 1962).  
- Set the template for character-driven superhero narratives.  

## Body  

### **Production and Release**  
- **Director**: Sam Raimi helmed the film, balancing action and emotional depth.  
- **Production**: A joint effort by Columbia Pictures (U.S.-based, founded in 1918) and Marvel Entertainment (established in 1998, headquartered in New York).  
- **Release Strategy**: The film premiered on May 3, 2002, with staggered releases across Germany (May 5), Japan (May 10), the UK (May 16), the U.S. (May 17), France (June 6), Italy (June 12), and South Korea (June 23).  

### **Genres and Themes**  
- **Classification**: Categorized as a science fiction, drama, superhero, and action film, reflecting its blend of genres.  
- **Tone**: Combined superhero spectacle with teenage angst and moral responsibility, appealing to both comic fans and general audiences.  

### **Cast and Crew**  
- **Key Cast**: J. K. Simmons (born 1955) played J. Jonah Jameson, a role that earned him widespread recognition.  
- **Character Basis**: The film adapts Spider-Man, a Marvel Comics character created in August 1962, known for his dual identity as a teenage hero and his iconic red-and-blue suit.  

### **Legacy and Impact**  
- **Franchise Launch**: The film’s success led to two sequels (*Spider-Man 2* in 2004 and *Spider-Man 3* in 2007), both directed by Raimi.  
- **Cultural Influence**: Reinvigorated interest in superhero films, directly influencing later franchises like the MCU.  
- **Awards and Reception**: Praised for its storytelling and performances, notably Simmons’ portrayal of the antagonistic Jameson.  

### **Connected Entities**  
- **Marvel Entertainment**: The film marked a major milestone for the company, which had been founded just four years prior (1998).  
- **Columbia Pictures**: Leveraged its longstanding industry presence (since 1918) to produce and distribute the film globally.  
- **Spider-Man in Film**: This film is a cornerstone of the character’s on-screen history, detailed in the broader "Spider-Man in film" category.  

### **Technical Details**  
- **Website**: Promoted via http://spiderman.sonypictures.com/, reflecting early 2000s digital marketing strategies.  
- **Sitelink Count**: Featured on 83 wikis, underscoring its global recognition and cultural relevance.  

### **Historical Context**  
- **Character Origins**: Spider-Man, created in 1962, was adapted 40 years later, demonstrating the character’s enduring popularity.  
- **Industry Shift**: The film’s release coincided with a resurgence in superhero films, contrasting with the mixed reception of 1990s adaptations.  

### **Awards and Nominations**  
- While not explicitly listed in the source material, the film’s critical acclaim and box office performance (implied by its legacy) positioned it as a benchmark for future superhero films.  

### **Global Reach**  
- Distributed in multiple countries with localized release dates, emphasizing its international appeal and strategic rollout by Columbia Pictures.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. The Movie Database
3. Spider-Man. Rotten Tomatoes
4. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145487/releaseinfo)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Source](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/62575-SPIDER-MAN?sid=4ba946f7-5f16-4940-b312-6735e0fd15d6&sr=4.2380295&cp=1&pos=2)
7. [Source](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl678659585/)
8. Box Office Mojo
9. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0145487/)
10. Kinopoisk
11. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/spider-man/)
12. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/spider-man-rtl-versie/)
13. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
14. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
15. Bechdel Test Movie List
16. mymovies.it
17. Spider-Man
18. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/24C7-F1B1-B79C-8F2B-A7F6-3)
19. Danish Film Database
20. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/94421)
21. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Spider-Man_(2002_film)-ZYZX4WZ)
22. TheTVDB
23. Trakt.tv
24. FilmVandaag.nl