Tobey Maguire may be forced to bow out of the "Spider-Man" sequel due to a bad back, Variety reports.
Maguire, who shot to stardom as the web-slinging superhero, may be replaced in the sequel by the real-life boyfriend of his on-screen love interest, Kirsten Dunst.
Maguire's spokeswoman said the actor was experiencing problems with his back -- brought on by physically demanding roles in his last two films -- and may not be up to performing difficult stunts.
"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, she said in a statement. "With an April 12 start date around the corner, everyone involved wants to be certain he is able to do the intense stunts."
In line to don Peter Parker's duds if Maguire isn't ready is actor Jake Gyllenhaal ("Moonlight Mile," "The Good Girl"), who happens to be dating Dunst.
Last month, Maguire's agents renegotiated a record 17 million deal for the sequel, more than four times what he took in for the original "Spider-Man" film.
"Spider-Man" was the highest-grossing movie of 2002, generating worldwide ticket sales of $800 million
Maguire, who shot to stardom as the web-slinging superhero, may be replaced in the sequel by the real-life boyfriend of his on-screen love interest, Kirsten Dunst.
Maguire's spokeswoman said the actor was experiencing problems with his back -- brought on by physically demanding roles in his last two films -- and may not be up to performing difficult stunts.
"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, she said in a statement. "With an April 12 start date around the corner, everyone involved wants to be certain he is able to do the intense stunts."
In line to don Peter Parker's duds if Maguire isn't ready is actor Jake Gyllenhaal ("Moonlight Mile," "The Good Girl"), who happens to be dating Dunst.
Last month, Maguire's agents renegotiated a record 17 million deal for the sequel, more than four times what he took in for the original "Spider-Man" film.
"Spider-Man" was the highest-grossing movie of 2002, generating worldwide ticket sales of $800 million
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