Tobey Maguire is known for being an avid poker player and a source exclusively tells In Touch he’s using all his finely-tuned take-no-prisoners style tactics to score a spot in the upcoming Spider-Man movie – and earn himself a fortune in the process.
“The checks for Spider-Man have been, for the last twenty-two years, the foundation of Tobey’s wealth and key to the prosperity of his entourage and team as well,” reveals a source in Tobey’s business and friend group.
The first modern live-action Spider-Man, which came out in 2001, was among the earliest of Marvel’s smash hits that would eventually lead to the superhero’s addition to the labyrinthian extended universe in 2015. The film launched Tobey, 49, into stardom – and padded his pockets in the process.
The actor reprised his iconic role as Peter Parker for Spider-Man 2 in 2004 and Spider-Man 3 in 2007, however, due to script and production complications, the expected fourth Spider-Man never made it to theaters. Columbia Pictures ultimately decided to axe Tobey as lead and reboot the franchise with Andrew Garfield as the titular character in 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man.
Andrew, 41, wasn’t to last in the role beyond The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in 2014, though, with Tom Holland picking up the spot as the character joined the MCU for Captain America: Civil War in 2016. Spider-Man: Homecoming would see Tom, 28, star in his own film about Peter Parker a year later. He would reprise the role in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), with the latter movie also bringing back Andrew and Tobey’s Spider-Men as cameo appearances to audiences’ delight.
“Now that he’s firmly back in the franchise after his slam-dunk work in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home helped it become the biggest moneymaker in the series, he’s not in the mood to let go and is negotiating to appear in the planned 2026 follow-up film [currently known as Spider-Man 4].”
The source notes that latest series’ mainstays Tom and Zendaya, who plays opposite Peter Parker as M.J., are locked in for the continuation of the franchise. The question remains, however, will Tobey be returning? The answer lies in the studio’s willingness to call the actor’s bluff.
“Make no mistake, Tobey drives an extremely hard bargain and demands Tom Cruise-level paydays for these appearances,” the source explains. “Tobey has advisors who have been with him forever and endorse his hardball, high pressure tactics for getting these big jobs, especially when it comes to the role he will be remembered for.”
The upcoming project is yet unnamed officially, but according to Alex Perez, “there is a very strong possibility [Tobey and Andrew] show up for an extended role this time around,” if contract dealings go Tobey’s way.
“Tobey’s legendary poker skills also come into play, because he absolutely hates leaving money on the table – that drives him crazy,” the insider continues.
“Returning to Spider-Man is something he will happily continue to do, but it’s all about that giant check and nobody on either side of the table is under any other illusion.”
