Everything You Need To Know To Prepare For Spider-Man 3

You'd be hard-pressed to find a person who's not excited about Spider-Man 3. In the five years since director Sam Raimi first introduced us to Tobey Maguire as the webbed crusader, we've experienced what is, perhaps, one of the greatest comic-related superhero trilogies of all time. And, if what we've seen so far of the third film is any indication, it's going to positively knock our socks off. In preparation of the film's release, we've collected a slew of information from Cinematical, AOL Movies and Moviefone and decided to provide you with a Spidey 3 FAQ ... featuring an all new character guide. Not sure what the story is about? Wait, a black Spider-Man? Who is he? And what about this blonde girl Gwen Stacy? Does she really think she's going to steal Mary Jane's man?

For you Spidey fanatics, consider this FAQ just another reason to get pumped up about the film. And, for those who don't know much about the superhero -- and may have missed one or two of the other films -- but still want to make it appear as if you're "in the know" (oh, you know who you are), then feel free to use us as your primary Spidey resource. Spider-Man 3 officially swings into theaters on May 4.

So, what's the film about?

From the official Spider-Man 3 website: In Spider-Man 3, based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. When his suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well, bringing out the dark, vengeful side of his personality that he is struggling to control. Under the influence of the suit, Peter becomes overconfident and starts to neglect the people who care about him most. Forced to choose between the seductive power of the new suit and the compassionate hero he used to be, Peter must overcome his personal demons as two of the most-feared villains yet, Sandman and Venom, gather unparalleled power and a thirst for retribution to threaten Peter and everyone he loves.

Can you tell me more about the main characters in the film?

Sure thing! From Movefone's official They Came in '3' Spider-Man 3 character guide:

Peter Parker/Spider-Man

Though Spidey (Tobey Maguire) is finally recognized as a hero (all it took was saving the world ... twice), he has a new worst enemy: himself. When an alien symbiote stains his suit black, it brings out uncharacteristic rage and aggression.

Mary Jane Watson

The love of Spidey's life may now know his favorite hobby, but that hardly erases tension between Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter. She's a perennial target of his adversaries, though it doesn't seem to bother her too much. But her man's super-ego? That can cause a lover's quarrel.

Eddie Brock/Venom

There's a new hotshot photographer at the Daily Bugle, and he's spiky-haired slickster Eddie Brock (Topher Grace). A profession isn't all he shares with Peter: He also gains arachnid powers ... and picks up an alter ego in the process: Venom. Of course unlike Spidey, Venom is pure evil.

Flint Marko/Sandman

Remember Uncle Ben's heartbreaking demise in the first 'Spider-Man'? You're looking at the killer, Flint Marko (Thomas Haden Church), who becomes the shape-shifting Sandman. Though Sandman seeks forgiveness, he's still No. 1 on Spidey's Most Wanted list.

Harry Osborn/New Goblin

Peter's old buddy Harry (James Franco) is still seething over the death of his father, and it's no secret he blames Spider-Man. That bitterness drives his full-blown transformation into villainy as New Goblin, who fights Spidey in the air on a kick-ass glider called the Sky Stick.

Gwen Stacy

The daughter of Police Captain Stacy (James Cromwell), Gwen Stacy (Bryce Dallas Howard) is Peter's lab partner at Empire State University. Some might say she's smitten with Parker; but Eddie Brock obsesses over her. Gwen suffered a tragic death in the comic: Will she survive Sam Raimi's version?

Betty Brant

The receptionist at the Daily Bugle, Betty Brant (the increasingly popular Elizabeth Banks), has always been an ally of Peter's, not to mention a reliable flirt that we're sure helped finesse his mojo with Mary Jane. But will she stand by idly while Peter and MJ make moon-eyes at each other?

Aunt May

Is there anyone sweeter in the comic-book-movie universe than sweet old Aunt May? Negative. May Parker (Rosemary Harris) returns for the third adventure, and shares some tender moments with Peter, including one scene where he admits plans to propose to Mary Jane.

Where can I see pictures from Spider-Man 3?

Feel free to check out Moviefone's gallery featuring 27 stills from the film.

Isn't there a new international poster out?

Why yes, yes there is. And that's it to the right of your screen.

What about the trailer? I'm dying to see some footage of this monster!

Not only do we have two trailers, but we also have a special behind-the-scenes clip. And no, it doesn't get much better than this, folks!

Hey, I missed the exclusive footage that aired on NBC. Can you help me out a bit?

Luckily for you, our own Kevin Kelly attended an exclusive preview event and provided a detailed outline of everything that was shown, as well as a transcript from a Q&A session with Spider-Man producer Avi Arad. On whether or not Avad sees more Spider-Man in the future, he says: "No, there are never conclusions. This story has been going on for a long time, and it will continue going. Peter Parker's story will continue forever. He's still young, and the love story will always be the thing that rules his life."

So, does that mean there will be a Spider-Man 4?

Well, the story changes every day. So far, here's what we know: Columbia execs are so excited about Spider-Man 3, they've already brought in David Koepp (who wrote the original Spider-Man) to discuss penning Spider-Man 4. If all goes well, there's a good chance we'll be seeing a fourth installment hit theaters in either 2009 or 2010.

But will Sam Raimi and the rest of the cast be involved?

Most likely ... we don't know. There's no doubt Sam Raimi is in love with the franchise, and he's gone on record recently saying he would remain onboard so long as Tobey Maguire reprised his role as Spider-Man. Only problem is, Tobey might not want to do that. Back in December, he was quoted as saying: "This might be a good place to stop -- I am not tied contractually to any more Spider-Man movies. I am not completely closed to the idea of another one if it made sense but I would say the odds were in favor of this being the last one." Currently, rumors suggest the studio is interested in bringing on Jake Gyllenhaal to replace Maguire ... but that's if New Line doesn't snag him to play the lead superhero in Shazam! first.

Kirsten Dunst, however, remains optimistic. While speaking at ShoWest this past week in Las Vegas, the actress showed interest in another Spidey-related film, but stressed that she (as well as Raimi) would need some time off. Dunst considers herself, Raimi and Maguire to be part of a team; if one of them signs on to another sequel, there's a pretty good chance the other two will follow. When told a Spider-Man 4 script had already been commissioned, Dunst responded: "Do they want to give Sam Raimi a heart attack? That's evil. Sorry, that's not happening any time soon. I would just say no for Sam's sake so that he can have a break. We would all do it together because Sam, Tobey and I are a team now, but there's no way it's going to happen very soon. I just can't imagine that. We don't have the story to tell right now."

Can I get Tobey Maguire's phone number so I can ask him to my prom?

Unfortunately, no. But there's that cute kid from math class who I'm sure would don a Spider-Man mask if you asked politely.

If you still have more questions, feel free to ask away! Our Spidey specialists are on call 24/7. Once again, Spider-Man 3 hits theaters on May 4.