Most of you have probably already heard by now that Tobey Maguire and director Sam Raimi have agreed to return for a fourth and a fifth installment of the Spider-Man franchise. What you might not have heard, however, is exactly what Tobey Maguire is going to be getting for his six months of work.
The Times Online seems to have broken the news about the huge payday Maguire is set to receive for reprising his role as Spider-Man. They are reporting that his deal is actually unprecedented.
Maguire is to spend six months shooting Spider-Man 4 and Spider-Man 5 back-to-back next year. During the shoot he is to be granted “family time” which consists of early mornings and evenings off so he can spend time with his 22-month old daughter.
In exchange for his six months of what sounds like a normal job, Maguire will earn a record $50M in upfront salary as well as a percentage of profits. The deal is similar to one struck by Keanu Reeves when he agreed to shoot the Matrix sequels, however, Reeves only received around $30M and 15% of profits (and no family time that I’m aware of).
It seems like some people are actually giving him flack over this deal. They’re saying he’s some kind of a sissy-man or something because he wanted family time. Personally, I think he’s a freaking hero. I mean, he’s got the studio over a barrel. They want him to make more movies that are going to bring them in billions of dollars. Why shouldn’t he be well compensated for it? If they can make it work by giving him that huge salary and all the time off then why not take it? Heck, I think it’s the right thing to do. He’s got a child now who deserves to see her father once in a while. It’s a good move.
What do you think? Is Maguire being a selfish Hollywood celebrity by asking for $50M and “family time?”
A Spidey sequel without Maguire is sure to irritate most fans. That gives Tobey alot of leverage in salary negotiations!
Between Seabiscuit, the Spidermans, and the LOTR movies, he's gonna be pretty hard-pressed to ever get a role as a straight guy again, in my opinion.
Robertb, Toby wasn't in Lord of the Rings…
LOL
Whatever. Like those are 2 different guys.
Hahahha
Well said Jason… he essentially negotiayted for $25 mill a pic + profits, on something that earns the studios mega money with DVD sakes and such, its a good move…. and why wouldnt you negotiate in family time… great move on his part…..
I would care more if the last Spiderman movie didn't suck so much. (Sorry Cap'n).
LOL…. I didnt write the script or make the movie…. dont blame me…. =)
It's okay, dude. I thought he was in Bubble Boy.
Sounds to me like a pretty sweet deal. I'd take it! =D
$50m + plus mornings and evening with the fam, that's nice work if you can get it.
The movies may not be great, but I say good on Tobey gettin' paid!
Dude, Jake Gylenhall doesn't look any more like Tobey McGuire than his sister looks like Katie Holmes (used to). No wonder they killed her character off, btw. I can't be responsible for your lack of knowledge here. Are you trying to suggest something?
Now my wife confuses Tobey McGuire and Topher Grace up, and was thoroughly lost when they were in the same movie, no doubt.
I thought the first one was great. The 2nd was even better but the third was just alright. What's with 3rd movies? They tend to get all Hollywood like. The third one had moments but for the most part, it was just alright. I hope they have a different storyline for 4 and 5. The third one just seemed unnecessary. Felt like it was just there to stretch things out.
I did/do the same thing
Hell, if it was all “working from home”, you'd sign up in a heartbeat!
Wow, that's funny. I used to get Tobey and Jake mixed up all the time. And yet, I don't think Tobey and Topher look anything alike.
For $50 mil, I'd even go to the office.
Fair play to him for negotiating such a brilliant deal! I’d be pretty proud of myself if that was me; $50 million upfront, a share of the profits, and family time too; nice work Tobey Maguire!
Nice post and blog! Greets.
Go Tobey. I think this is an awesome deal for him. Both movies will easily make a billion dollars or more. As the lead actor, he should be given a fair chunk of that.