Amazing Spider-Man Director Says Movies Weren’t A Disaster

Ahead of Spider-Man: Homecoming showcasing the Wall Crawler’s solo-film debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the director of the last series of films has spoken out about his time with the character.

Marc Webb directed the Amazing Spider-Man and its sequel, the latter of which adapted the comic story the Death of Gwen Stacy to film.


Webb was interviewed by Collider in promotion of his latest film Gifted, starring Chris Evans, Jenny Slate, and McKenna Grace. During the session he was asked about directing Andrew Garfield in the Amazing Spider-Man, specifically what he was most proud of and what was his biggest regret.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 did alright at the box office, taking in $709 million worldwide, but was generally considered a flop due to its lofty expectation. It was also the lowest grossing film in the franchise. What was meant to serve as a launchpad for both Sinister Six and Venom spinoffs didn’t do well enough to warrant either.

Webb spoke at length about the topic of regret, saying he didn’t think of the movie in those terms, and revealed that he didn’t believe the movie turned out to be a “disaster.”

Here’s his entire answer he gave in response to Collider’s question:

“It’s hard for me to think about it, in terms of regrets. There are so many things that I’m proud of. There was an ambition with the second movie, in particular. The idea that it’s a superhero that can’t save everybody is something that I’m really proud of. I’m really proud of the ambition of that because it’s an important message, and I believe in that. I believe in what we were after.

“They’re really, really difficult movies to make. They’re complex in ways that people don’t fully understand. They weren’t disasters.

“But in terms of regrets, I don’t think of it in those terms. I felt really, really fortunate to have that opportunity. That’s a whole other long, in-depth conversation that I probably shouldn’t have publicly.

“I loved everybody involved. I really did. I didn’t have an adversarial relationship with the studio, at all. There were a lot of very smart people. These are just incredibly complicated movies to make. I am proud of them, in many ways, and I stand by them. I’m certainly not a victim, in that situation.”

Webb then spoke about how he didn’t have a villain or story in mind for a potential third film, as the studio was trying to get Sinister Six off of the ground. But everything changed when the Sony email hack went public, followed by Marvel’s deal with the studio.

UP NEXT: Amy Pascal Reveals How Marvel & Sony Came Together

Though some might consider Webb’s films as a failed reboot attempt, he is a skilled director given a huge opportunity with one of the most popular characters in the world. The fact that he made two films that were as successful as they were is nothing to balk at.

If anything, his ambitions were only outmatched by those of those of the studio. While Webb achieved what he wanted to, Sony was left wanting, and that ultimately killed the Amazing Spider-Man franchise.

The Web Slinger can be seen next in Spider-Man: Homecoming on July 7, the first major collaboration between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures.

Are you excited for Tom Holland’s turn as Spider-Man? Let us know with your vote in the Anticipation Rankings below!

MORE SPIDER-MAN NEWS: Homecoming Shares Major Villain Connection From The Comics / Ganke Creator Comments On Ned Leeds / Tom Holland Wants To Take On Venom / Uncle Ben’s Role Revealed

A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming.Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.

The cast features Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr., Zendaya, Donald Glover, Jacob Batalon, Laura Harrier, Tony Revolori, Tyne Daly, Bokeem Woodbine, Logan Marshall-Green, and Marisa Tomei.

The film is being directed by Jon Watts (Cop Car), based on a screenplay by Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley (Vacation reboot) and Jon Watts & Christopher Ford and Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers.