Released in theaters on April 30, 2014, The Amazing Spider-Man: The Power of a Hero (The Amazing Spider-Man 2) is an action and adventure film directed by Marc Webb. Written by James Vanderbilt and Alex Kurtzman, it stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, and Jamie Foxx. This second installment explores Peter Parker’s personal struggles while expanding the world of threats connected to OsCorp. The film will be available on Netflix starting March 15, 2026.
Peter Parker juggles his double life: high school student by day, college student by night, in love with Gwen Stacy, and a superhero dedicated to protecting New York City. As he struggles to maintain his balance and keep promises that weigh heavily on him, a new threat emerges in the city: Electro, an antagonist whose electrical powers dramatically shift the stakes in Spider-Man's battles.
Harry Osborn, an old friend of Peter’s, makes a comeback, bringing with him a string of revelations about OsCorp’s shady dealings and the connections between the industrial giant and the hero’s enemies. In this tense atmosphere, every personal decision carries weight, and the stakes are no longer just about saving the city — they’re also about navigating the human toll of living undercover.
The film is distinguished by its strong New York roots: it's the first Spider-Man feature to be shot entirely on location in the city, a choice made deliberately to reconnect with the character's urban identity. Marc Webb also opts for shooting on 35mm film, bucking the trend towards digital that dominates franchise filmmaking, aiming instead to give the images a more organic and textured feel.
In terms of characters, the screenplay weaves together several antagonistic figures: Electro (Max Dillon), whose arc centers on obsession and a tipping point, and the Osborn family saga, featuring Norman (Chris Cooper) and Harry (Dane DeHaan). The film also drops numerous nods to Spider-Man’s mythos, including references to other classic foes. The soundtrack, crafted under Hans Zimmer’s direction with a team of composers, adopts a collective approach to create a modern musical identity rooted in the vibrant energy of New York City.
Blending action, drama, and romance, The Amazing Spider-Man: The Rise of a Hero offers a darker take on the beloved myth, focusing on responsibility and the toll it takes on those around Peter Parker. This installment sits at the crossroads of the Marvel universe and a personal tragedy, while remaining true to the iconic Spider-Man legacy.
The Amazing Spider-Man: The Rise of a Hero
Movie | 2014
Release in theaters: April 30, 2014
Available on Netflix starting from March 15, 2026
Action, Adventure, Fantasy | Duration: 2h22
Directed by Marc Webb | Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx
Original title: The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Country: United States
By emphasizing the struggle between duty and personal life, this second installment features a Spider-Man facing tougher foes—and more crucial, irreversible choices. The storytelling strikes a balance between heartfelt emotion and high-stakes action, set against a New York City brought to life as a character in its own right.
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