THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN • 2012-2014
PETER PARKER
Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man
Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man
Universe: The Amazing Spider-Man Movie Universe
Portrayed by: Andrew Garfield
Director: Marc Webb
Films: The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
Location: New York City
The Amazing Spider-Man series presented a fresh, modern take on the Spider-Man origin story. Andrew Garfield's portrayal brought a contemporary edge to Peter Parker, depicting him as a skateboarding, wisecracking teenager with a deeper emotional vulnerability. This universe explored Peter's parents' mysterious past and featured a more scientifically grounded approach to the Spider-Man mythology, while delivering spectacular action sequences and heartbreaking emotional moments.
Peter Parker was a brilliant but troubled teenager who lived with his Aunt May and Uncle Ben after his parents mysteriously disappeared when he was young. Obsessed with uncovering the truth about his parents' fate, Peter discovered his father's research had been conducted at Oscorp Industries.
While investigating Oscorp, Peter was bitten by a genetically-modified spider, granting him incredible abilities. Initially using his powers recklessly, Peter's life changed forever when Uncle Ben was killed by a criminal. Consumed by guilt and a desire for revenge, Peter began hunting criminals as a masked vigilante.
Eventually, Peter learned the true meaning of heroism and responsibility, transforming from a vengeful vigilante into a genuine hero dedicated to protecting New York City. His journey was marked by deep personal relationships, particularly with Gwen Stacy, and the ongoing mystery surrounding his parents' work.
Directed by Marc Webb
Peter Parker discovers his father's research at Oscorp and is bitten by a genetically-altered spider, gaining superhuman abilities. After Uncle Ben's tragic death, Peter becomes a masked vigilante hunting criminals. He faces Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former partner, who transforms into the monstrous Lizard after attempting to regenerate his missing arm. Peter must stop the Lizard's plan to transform all of New York into reptilian creatures while navigating his relationship with Gwen Stacy and uncovering secrets about his parents.
Directed by Marc Webb
Peter continues protecting New York while struggling with his promise to Gwen's late father to keep her out of danger. He faces multiple threats: Max Dillon, an Oscorp engineer who becomes the powerful Electro after an accident; and his old friend Harry Osborn, who transforms into the Green Goblin in a desperate attempt to cure his terminal illness. The film reaches its tragic climax with Gwen Stacy's death during the final battle, a devastating loss that nearly destroys Peter but ultimately inspires him to continue being a hero.
As Spider-Man, Peter Parker serves as New York City's friendly neighborhood hero, swinging through the streets to stop criminals and save lives. Unlike other heroes, Peter maintains a quippy, conversational style with both friends and foes. He balances his superhero duties with his personal life as a high school student and his relationship with Gwen Stacy, constantly struggling between his desire for a normal life and his responsibility to protect others.
Enhanced adhesion allows Peter to cling to and scale any surface, demonstrated through spectacular climbing and parkour-style movements across buildings.
Uses mechanical web-shooters of his own design to fire strong, versatile webbing. Peter constantly innovates his web formulas for different situations.
A precognitive danger warning system that alerts Peter to threats, giving him split-second reaction time to avoid attacks and protect others.
Superhuman agility, balance, and coordination that allows for incredible acrobatic feats and fluid, graceful movement through the city.
Enhanced strength allowing him to lift several tons, overpower criminals, and perform incredible physical feats like stopping cars.
Lightning-fast reflexes that enable him to dodge bullets, catch objects mid-air, and react to danger faster than humanly possible.
Increased resistance to physical harm, allowing him to withstand impacts, falls, and attacks that would seriously injure normal people.
Brilliant scientific mind with expertise in chemistry, engineering, and biology. Designed his own web-shooters and web fluid formulas.
Portrayed by Emma Stone
Peter's girlfriend and intellectual equal, a brilliant scientist at Oscorp. Gwen is Peter's greatest love and closest confidant who knows his secret identity. Their relationship forms the emotional heart of the series, culminating in the tragic events that define Peter's journey as a hero.
Portrayed by Sally Field
Peter's loving aunt who raised him after his parents' disappearance. She provides emotional support and wisdom, serving as Peter's anchor and moral compass. Despite not knowing his secret initially, she senses the weight Peter carries and supports him unconditionally.
Portrayed by Denis Leary
Gwen's father and captain of the NYPD who initially hunts Spider-Man but comes to respect him. Before his death, he makes Peter promise to keep Gwen safe, a promise that haunts Peter throughout the second film.
Portrayed by Martin Sheen
Peter's uncle whose death catalyzes Peter's transformation into a true hero. His guidance about responsibility and doing the right thing becomes Peter's moral foundation.
Dr. Curt Connors - Portrayed by Rhys Ifans
A brilliant scientist and Peter's father's former partner who transforms into a reptilian monster after using experimental serum to regenerate his missing arm. The Lizard's enhanced strength, regenerative abilities, and plan to transform New York into lizard creatures make him a formidable first villain for Spider-Man.
Max Dillon - Portrayed by Jamie Foxx
An obsessed Oscorp electrical engineer who becomes a living generator of electricity after a freak accident. Feeling invisible and betrayed by Spider-Man, Electro unleashes his devastating powers on New York. He can control electricity, fly, and discharge powerful energy blasts that make him one of Spider-Man's most dangerous foes.
Harry Osborn - Portrayed by Dane DeHaan
Peter's childhood friend who becomes the Green Goblin after using unstable spider venom to cure his terminal genetic disease. Armed with advanced Oscorp technology including a glider and enhanced strength, Harry's descent into villainy leads to the tragic confrontation that claims Gwen Stacy's life.
Aleksei Sytsevich - Portrayed by Paul Giamatti
A Russian criminal who pilots a heavily armored mechanical rhino suit provided by Oscorp. Though appearing briefly, the Rhino represents the escalating threats Spider-Man faces and sets up future conflicts in the Amazing Spider-Man universe.
Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man is characterized by several distinctive traits that set this version apart:
While The Amazing Spider-Man series was cut short after two films, Andrew Garfield's portrayal left a lasting impact on Spider-Man fans. His interpretation brought a fresh energy and emotional depth to the character, with particular praise for his chemistry with Emma Stone and his portrayal of Spider-Man's trademark wit and humor.
The death of Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 remains one of the most emotionally devastating moments in superhero cinema, faithfully adapting the iconic comic book storyline with heartbreaking authenticity. This moment defined Peter's character arc and demonstrated the true cost of being a hero.
Andrew Garfield's triumphant return as Spider-Man in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) was met with overwhelming fan enthusiasm. His redemptive moment of saving MJ provided closure to his character's grief while showcasing why fans loved his interpretation. Many fans have advocated for "The Amazing Spider-Man 3" to give this version of the character a proper conclusion.
The series is also remembered for its stunning visual effects, particularly the first-person web-swinging sequences that made audiences feel like they were truly swinging through New York City alongside Spider-Man.