I don't know who I have to thank for this, but I'd like to kiss them upside-down in the rain.
The original Spider-Man trilogy - the glorious, campy, emotional rollercoaster that shaped an entire generation of superhero fans - is heading back to theaters this September. Yes, Tobey. Yes, That train sequence. Yes, Willem Dafoe cackling like a Shakespearean goblin. And YES, I am absolutely going. Probably twice.
Here's the best part: it's not just a quick re-release. It's a sequential event, with all three movies returning to the big screen: Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2.1 (that's the extended cut with eight extra minutes of web-slinging goodness), and Spider-Man 3 (Can you dig it?). It starts September 26 and runs for a few glorious days of nostalgia-fueled joy. I will be seated. With snacks.
And let's talk about that Spider-Man 2.1 - aka the best Spider-Man movie with more scenes - it's finally getting a proper theatrical release! We're talking never-before-seen footage. We're talking 4K. We're talking Alfred Molina as Doc Ock with even more emotional depth. I don't care if I've memorized every line from the original cut, this is history.
Honestly, these movies aren't just movies. They're comfort food for the soul. They were there before the MCU was even a glimmer in Kevin Feige's eye. They were bold, bright, dramatic, and a little weird because… Raimi. They gave us emo Peter Parker and that upside-down kiss and that scene where Aunt May throws hands. They gave us heart.
If you've never seen them on the big screen, now's your chance. And if you have? You already know. Watching Tobey Maguire swing through New York while Danny Elfman's score swells is something every fan should experience again - this time with the benefit of hindsight and a better understanding of just how special these movies really were.
Tickets go on sale July 25. I'll be the one first in line.
Let's do this, webheads.