Whi is the Cast of Spider-Man 3 and Where Have You Seen Them?

Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 acted as the climactic finale to the director’s beloved Spider-Man trilogy, and although it was divisive when it was released, many are fond of its unique take on the symbiote storyline and the continued directorial genius of Sam Raimi. The film’s impact and cult following have only doubled in the age of online film discourse.

A huge draw in the third film- and the previous two chapters in the franchise- is the highly talented cast. Many of these actors have continued to have successful careers since Spider-Man 3‘s release in 2007, in roles both prominent and more buried. From JK Simmons’ continued dominance in the superhero genre to Bryce Dallas Howard’s journey from in front of the camera to behind it, here is an up-to-date analysis of where these actors are today.

JK Simmons Continued to Impact Movies in Many Genres

J.K. Simmons was already a well-accomplished actor when he first appeared in Spider-Man in 2002, but since the conclusion of the trilogy, his prominence in the film and television industries has only increased. One of his largest roles as of late was as the voice of Omni-Man in Amazon Prime’s adaptation of the Invincible comic books by Image Comics. Simmons’ dominating presence translates well into a much darker character here, and his performance has already made waves throughout all of pop culture.

Additionally, Simmons portrayed Chief Jim Gordon in the DC Extended Universe, bringing a new element of wit to the typically stoic character. Earlier in his career, Simmons proved himself a viable comedic actor in films like Juno and Jennifer’s Body, and also through his portrayal of J. Jonah Jameson. In 2021, he was given a unique comedy role in the Disney+ original movie Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, where he portrayed Captain Putty. Spider-Man: Far From Home and Spider-Man: No Way Home also gave Simmons the chance to reprise his role as the MCU’s version of Jameson.

Tobey Maguire Has Only Recently Returned to Acting

Tobey Maguire’s portrayal of Spider-Man has long been regarded as many fans’ favorite interpretation of the character, but the actor’s impact on the industry doesn’t stop there. Most notably, Maguire has ventured into more dramatic roles, starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the critically acclaimed Brothers in 2009. In the animated realm, Maguire voiced the adult version of Tim Timbleton in Dreamworks Animation’s The Boss Baby.

More recently, he gave a terrifyingly dark performance in the final act of Damien Chazelle’s Babylon. Another career-defining performance for Maguire was his role as the legendary Nick Carraway in Baz Luhrmaan’s take on the literary capstone The Great Gatsby alongside Leonardo DiCaprio’s Gatsby in 2013. Finally, in 2021, Maguire returned to the streets of New York as his version of Spidey in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Kirsten Dunst Became a Force in the Drama Genre

Kirsten Dunst’s role as Mary Jane Watson brought a lot out of the character of Peter Parker and grounded the story in a way that truly sold the narrative. Since the conclusion of the trilogy, Dunst has continued to gravitate towards grounded, dramatic roles, and she continues to knock it out of the park. In 2011, she starred in the sisterhood drama Melancholia alongside Charlotte Gainsbourg and Alexander Skarsgård. In 2014, she starred in Season 2 of the acclaimed Fargo series.

2022 saw the actress married to longtime friend Jesse Plemmons, whom she starred alongside in the 2021 acclaimed film The Power of the Dog. Other notable roles Dunst has had in the past decade include a small role in Hidden Figures and a lead role in All Good Things with Ryan Gosling. Although Mary Jane was referenced in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Kirsten Dunst sadly did not get the opportunity to step into the role once again. However, fans can see Dunst again in the upcoming Alex Garland thriller, Civil War.

Bryce Dallas Howard Has Contributed to Other Amazing Franchises

Bryce Dallas Howard appeared as Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man 3, living up to her father, Ron Howard, with the impressive acting she brought to the table. Since then, Bryce’s impact on the industry at large might have even passed the likes of her legendary father. She would continue to appear in prominent blockbuster films like the third chapter of the Twilight saga and an adaptation of the beloved novel The Help.

Her next major role would be in the 2015 revival of the Jurassic franchise when she starred alongside Chris Pratt in Jurassic World. Soon after, Howard’s directorial debut in film began with the film Dads. She has since become a prominent director of several episodes of The Mandalorian and one episode of The Book of Boba Fett. She also got the chance to voice Master Yaddle in Tales of the Jedi.

James Franco Ventured Into Comedy and Retellings of True Stories

More recently, James Franco has been tied to a series of allegations that have greatly limited his career. Even still, he has made a few appearances in prominent films that are worth mentioning. Franco’s lead role in 127 Hours was incredibly riveting, largely because of his performance. Shortly after, he would star as a young Oz in Disney’s Oz the Great and Powerful, another Sam Raimi production.

Franco would also become a frequent star of comedy films like The Interview, Pineapple Express, and Why Him? This would see him teaming up with collaborator Seth Rogen frequently. In 2017, Franco portrayed industry legend Tommy Wiseau in The Disaster Artist alongside his brother, Dave Franco, which may be his most recognizable role to date.

Thomas Haden Church Has Continued to Vary His Performances

Thomas Haden Church brought a lot of dramatic weight to the character of Flint Marko in Spider-Man 3, impressing fans of the franchise and renewing interest in the actor who had risen to prominence in films like George of the Jungle and Tombstone. Since his time as Sandman, Church has starred in more comedic roles, like his role in Easy A alongside Emma Stone. He also gravitated towards sappy family dramas like We Bought a Zoo and Heaven Is For Real.

More recently, Church appeared in The Peanut Butter Falcon, starring Shia LeBeouf. In 2023, Church appeared in the Peacock exclusive adaptation of the PlayStation video game Twisted Metal. And like other Raimi alums, he reprised his villainous Sandman role in Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021.

Topher Grace Went on to Explore Other Genres From Drama to Comedy

To some fans, Topher Grace was an odd choice to take up the mantle of Eddie Brock and Venom. In some ways, compared to many adaptations of the character, this might have been true, but as a twisted image of what Peter could have become, he served the character well. Since 2007, Grace has starred in Spike Lee’s Blakkklansman as David Duke in a hauntingly realistic role.

Grace would star in the 2011 comedy Take Me Home Tonight and would also act as a minor role in the acclaimed film Interstellar. 2021 saw the beginning of the sitcom Home Economics, with Grace in the leading role. The series would conclude in 2023, the same year Grace would reprise his iconic role as Eric Foreman in the pilot of That ’90s Show.