Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man trilogy (2002-2007) has been a defining staple for superhero movies as it inspired other similar movies to build superhero narratives that are character-driven and grounded by relatable human emotions. One of the supporting characters in the film was Harry Osborn, who was played by James Franco. According to the behind-the-scenes of the casting process, Franco was supposed to play a different role, a role which eventually went to Maguire.
James Franco Auditioned for the Role of Peter Parker
In an article from Insider, James Franco initially auditioned for the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, which according to him “went well”. Six weeks later, he learned that Tobey Maguire had got the role. Franco was disappointed but director Sam Raimi had a different role in mind for him. Franco said,
“I found out I didn’t get it and I was disappointed,” Franco said. “But then Sam Raimi, the director called me, and we got along so well, and he asked me [if I wanted] the role of Harry. No one else auditioned for the role.”
Franco eventually took up the role of Harry Osborn, who is Peter Parker’s best friend. His involvement and his role would become significant as the films in the series went on.
Would James Franco Be a Good Fit for Peter Parker?
Tobey Maguire’s career and his reputation catapulted ever since his portrayal of Peter Parker. He is considered among the list of one of the best castings for a superhero role or character. His name has become synonymous with the role and will be the defining role of his career. Later reincarnations of the same character who would be played by Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland would cite Maguire and his portrayal to be their favorite relatable superhero character.
It remains to one’s imagination as to how good James Franco and his portrayal of Peter Parker would have been if he had played the part. Nonetheless, he portrayed the role of Harry Osborn with conviction and relatability, having an emotional arc throughout the films which reached its crescendo in the final film of the trilogy.
Tobey Maguire Eventually Returned to The Role, While James Franco’s Career Derailed
Tobey Maguire reprised his Peter Parker role in Spider-Man No Way Home (2021), where he meets the other two Spider-Men played by Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland in a story that deals with the multiverse.
On the other hand, James Franco’s career deteriorated as he was accused of sexual misconduct by 5 women in 2018. Recently, he was reported to return to acting with the film Alina of Cuba, where he will play Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. This casting decision, although supported by Castro’s daughter, sparked controversy against whitewashing a Cuban/Latino real-life individual.
Source: Insider
