Amazing Spider-Man interview: Andrew Garfield on Marvel hero's return

Published Jun 19 2012, 13:14 BST  |  By Simon Reynolds and Amie Parker-Williams

Andrew Garfield swings into action in the role of Marvel's iconic superhero Spider-Man as the franchise gets rebooted to explore the untold story of Peter Parker's high school years.

The Amazing Spider-Man held its UK gala premiere at London's Leicester Square last night (June 18) with Garfield joined by co-stars Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans and producing team Marc Webb and Avi Arad on the red carpet.


Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's Spider-Man celebrates his 50th anniversary this year, and new star Garfield believes that the character's enduring appeal is due in part to his disguise.

"He's the only superhero where you can't see any skin colour. He covered head-to-toe," he told Digital Spy. "Any culture around the world, any child around the world can identify with it and put themselves in that suit."

Ifans, who plays villain The Lizard, said that Garfield is the perfect Peter Parker because of his emotional complexity.

"[He gives] a beautifully-observed performance," he explained. "A teenager who arrives at the foothills of becoming a great man. He's an athlete, he's just an incredible actor and without him this film wouldn't be what it is."

The Amazing Spider-Man opens in cinemas on July 3.