Maguire Spun Out for Spidey 2?
By Beth Hannan Rimmels
A bad back might interfere with Tobey Maguire from swinging into Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man sequel. Hollywood was surprised on Monday by rumors that Maguire may bail out of sequel, which is scheduled to begin shooting April 12. The reasons range from physical problems to a salary dispute, depending upon who is telling the story but gossips have a second-string Spidey ready: Supposedly Jake Gyllenhaal has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Maguire.
Both the studio and Maguire's representative Kelly Bush disputed the gossip with both saying that Maguire is set to film and is only suffering from a sore back caused by two strenuous roles in a row. Immediately after finishing Spider-Man, Maguire went into training and lost weight to play a jockey in Universal Pictures' horse racing drama Seabiscuit. The film, which wrapped Feb. 18, required many hours on horseback that caused Maguire pain even though he had no major injuries on the set.
"After doing two physically demanding films in a row, Tobey has experienced mild discomfort in his back, which is in the final stages of healing," Bush said. "With an April 12 start date around the corner, everyone involved wants to be certain he is able to do the intense stunts."
Even despite his back trouble, Bush added, Maguire has been busy preparing for another go as Peter Parker, working out and showing up for special effects meetings. Sources more reliable than the tongues wagging in Hollywood on Monday confirmed that account. No one commented, however, on whether Maguire's back situation would require a longer shooting schedule.
Even before the last year's Spider-Man grossed more than $400 million domestically, the studio brokered deals with Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and director Sam Raimi for an additional two films. A spokesperson for CAA, which represents Gyllenhaal, denies that the actor has been offered the part.