Hundreds of fans from all over Southern California, including many from Riverside County, lined up outside the AMC Theater in Century City, CA today, hoping to make it in to one of two special event screenings showcasing the 3D trailer for the highly anticipated film, The Amazing Spider-Man. The trailer will be available online to the public starting tonight, but many showed up hoping to catch it in its 3D glory, along with scores of other fans in 13 cities, including London, New York, Rio and Rome.
Fans, press and representatives from Sony, Columbia Pictures, Marvel Comics and more packed into the theater at noon on Monday without a seat to spare.
Director Marc Webb was on hand in L.A. while Emma Stone (Gwen Stacy) appeared via satellite from Rio, Rhys Ifans (Dr. Curt Connors/Lizard) from London and the masked hero himself, Andrew Garfield (Peter Parker/Spider-Man) from New York City.
The trailer, along with the Q&A with cast and crew, prove that this reboot of Spider-Man will not only be action packed but focus on the untold story of Peter Parker.
"We wanted to treat Peter Parker in a more realistic, naturalistic way," said the film's director, Marc Webb. "The film starts out with Peter Parker and his parents." Webb went on to say that the film will touch on the consequences of what it means for Parker to be an orphan and that fans of the comics will appreciate the Gwen Stacy saga.
From Rio, actress Emma Stone was asked what the difference is between Parker's other love interest, Mary Jane, and her character, Gwen Stacy. "Gwen is the ying to Mary Jane's yang," said Stone. "While Mary Jane falls in love with Spider-Man, Gwen falls in love with Peter Parker."
Rhys Ifans was asked how his character, Lizard, differed from the other Spider-Man villains. "Like Spider-Man himself, Lizard is human, real and flawed, but particularly so because he was very close to Peter's father. It's very complex and emotional for him."
When the satellite feed turned to the super hero's portrayer, Andrew Garfield, he was asked what made him want to be Spider-Man.
"I'm not an idiot," replied Garfield to much laughter. "Everyone in this room wants it. It's overwhelming to represent the guy in the suit." The actor expressed how terrified he was by the enormity of the project and his part in it and thanked fans for all the support he has received. "This is so special," said the actor.
Garfield also shared his hopes for future portrayers of Spider-Man. "Hopefully next time, he will be half Hispanic, half African-American."
The trailer itself showcased some spectacular 3D footage and promises to give action lovers just what they're looking for and more; however, the footage also gave a glimpse into the untold and complex story of Parker, his journey to becoming Spider-Man, his culpability in the creation of Lizard and learning from his aunt and uncle about his father's work.
In addition to the trailer, the audience was treated to an eight-minute long sizzle reel, presented in 2D as Webb admitted some of the footage was still in the "special effects stage."
The reel included the fantastic chemistry between Stone and Garfield as Gwen and Peter/Spider-Man, along with the close relationship Parker shares with his aunt and uncle, played spectacularly by Academy Award-winner Sally Field and Emmy and Golden Globe-winner Martin Sheen.
Comedian Denis Leary plays George Stacy in his well-known gruff persona, the police Captain, and Gwen's father, who finds Spider-Man more of a thorn in his side than a hero to the city.
One also couldn't overlook the specatcular action and special effects, even with some footage still in the editing room.
Fans will also get a peek at Spider-Man's sense of humor. As he sits in the back of a car being stolen, the thief asks if he is a cop.
"You seriously think I'm a cop? A guy in a skin-tight, blue-and-red suit?"
The Amazing Spider-Man hits theaters on July 3, 2012. Visit the official The Amazing Spider-Man web site to view the trailer.
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