Sam Raimi Misses One Thing in Modern Superhero Films

For over two decades, the superhero genre has dominated Hollywood, evolving from niche adaptations to the undisputed king of the box office, largely thanks to the foundation laid by pioneers like Sam Raimi. Now, as the genre navigates a perceived downturn—with 2025 signaling a shift in audience preference toward horror and anime—veteran filmmakers are being asked to diagnose the ailment. And Raimi, the visionary behind the original Spider-Man trilogy, offered a response that was equal parts witty and telling.

During a recent Reddit AMA promoting his upcoming horror venture, Send Help, Raimi was asked about his primary criticism of modern superhero blockbusters. His answer, surprisingly, was not about excessive CGI or bloated runtimes, but rather: “That they don’t offer me more of them!”

While seemingly a lighthearted jab, this comment cuts to the core of what many fans and critics feel is missing from the current landscape: singular, distinct directorial voices.

The Enduring Legacy of Raimi’s Vision

Sam Raimi is not just a director; he is a foundational architect of the 21st-century superhero film. When his Spider-Man trilogy launched in the early 2000s, the landscape was wary of comic book fidelity. Yet, Raimi channeled his genuine passion for the source material, embracing the inherent camp, melodrama, and sincere emotional stakes of Peter Parker’s journey.

His greatest achievement, often cited as Spider-Man 2 (2004), remains a benchmark for the entire genre. It mastered the delicate balance required: treating the weight of responsibility seriously while never shying away from the humor and kinetic energy of web-slinging action. Raimi understood that the costume and powers were secondary; the emotional core—Peter Parker’s struggle with balancing his personal life and his heroic duty—was paramount. This emphasis on character grounded the spectacle in relatable human drama.

A Distinctive Stamp on the MCU

Raimi’s influence wasn't confined to his original trilogy. His return to the Marvel fold with 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness provided a much-needed jolt of individuality within the often homogenous Marvel Cinematic Universe.

While critical reception was mixed, the film was unmistakably a Raimi production. He leaned heavily into his horror roots, delivering sequences—such as the brutal massacre of the Illuminati by the Scarlet Witch—that were genuinely shocking and visually arresting for the MCU. This film stood out because it allowed a distinct auteur to leave their mark, proving that superhero fatigue might stem less from the subject matter and more from a perceived lack of directorial personality.

The Vacuum of Singular Vision

Raimi’s humorous lament highlights a larger industry trend. As franchises have become more centralized and interconnected—prioritizing universe building over standalone creative freedom—the opportunity for directors to inject their unique style has diminished. Modern superhero films often adhere to a formula designed for maximum franchise continuity, sometimes at the expense of distinct tone or directorial flourish.

In contrast, Raimi’s work, whether it was the campy glee of the Green Goblin or the genuine pathos of Doc Ock, felt personal. Fans clearly crave that level of commitment. The continued enthusiasm for revisiting the Tobey Maguire era, and the constant speculative buzz surrounding a potential Spider-Man 4 helmed by Raimi, suggests audiences deeply value the directorial fingerprint.

What Comes Next for the Genre Pioneer?

The question remains whether Raimi will get another opportunity to shape a major superhero property. While Doctor Strange 3 is reportedly in development, Marvel Studios often rotates directors to maintain creative freshness across the multiverse saga. Meanwhile, screenwriter Mattson Tomlin has expressed his ambition to get a Tobey Maguire Spider-Man 4 made, a project that would undoubtedly excite fans hoping for Raimi’s return.

Ultimately, Sam Raimi’s comments serve as a potent reminder: the greatest strength of the superhero genre lies not just in its characters or its spectacle, but in the passionate, distinct filmmakers willing to embrace them fully. As the industry seeks to revitalize audience interest, perhaps the answer lies in inviting back the visionaries who first proved these stories could resonate so deeply.