Raimi’s Geek Credentials

Sam Raimi may not have been some fans' first choice to take the Spider-Man helm but, as the director explains to Cinescape this week, his enthusiasm should quell any fears about the appointment. 'I went in and pitched them on what I always loved so much about this great character and how much I loved the comic books and how I saw it taking the next step into becoming a motion picture,' says Raimi. 'I think what I really pitched was just my love for what Stan Lee created.' Raimi admits that even he was surprised at landing such a plum job. 'The first thought that came to my mind when they told me was, 'Are you sure?'" Raimi says. 'But I had the presence of mind not to say that on the telephone to them.' Raimi goes on to say; 'I live in fear every moment on this picture... There are tremendous challenges. How do we pull off this shot? How do we make Spider-Man look real? How do we make the web look like a real spider's web? But the biggest challenge, I think, is in meeting the fans' expectations of what this fantastic character should be. That's really my goal.'