PRESS RELEASE –
The Spider-Man costume constructed for the first-ever Spider-Man film in 1977 will be auctioned by Nate D. Sanders Auctions on May 25, 2017. The costume was also used to promote the announcement of director Tobe Hooper’s 1985 Spider-Man film.
The 1977 “Spider-Man” movie, a Columbia Pictures release, was the initial adaptation of the cherished Marvel comic series. The film starred Peter Hammond as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. The film also served as the pilot episode for the popular 1977-1979 television show, “The Amazing Spider-Man.” The costume being auctioned was featured in both the movie and television show.
As well, the costume was used to promote director Tobe Hooper’s 1985 Spider-Man film for Cannon Pictures. Cannon Pictures acquired the rights from Marvel for $225,000, but the film was never produced. The film was slated to star Tom Cruise as Peter Parker, Bob Hoskins as Dr. Octopus and Lauren Bacall as Aunt May. After a few months in pre-production, Hooper left the project, despite Cannon’s promotional campaign. Joseph Zito was hired as the new director and chose Scott Leva to play Peter Parker. In 1986, Cannon Pictures faced financial troubles and was forced to shut down the production.
The costume comes with a letter of authenticity from Scott Leva. Leva wrote ”the Spider-Man Costume…is infact an original costume originally designed for use on the ‘SPIDER-MAN’ TV series for CBS in 1977.”
