Harry Osborn (2002 film series character)
Best friend turned rival, then ally to Spider-Man.
Harry Osborn is a fictional character in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man film series, portrayed by James Franco. Based on the comic book character created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, he is Peter Parker's best friend and a rival for Mary Jane Watson's affections. His story arc involves a strained friendship with Peter after the death of his father Norman, the Green Goblin, which he blames on Spider-Man, eventually becoming the New Goblin himself.
- portrayed_by
- James Franco
- first_film_appearance
- Spider-Man (2002)
- based_on
- Comic book character by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
- field
- Fictional character in superhero films
- known_for
- Best friend of Peter Parker, later the New Goblin
- notable_relationship
- Son of Norman Osborn (Green Goblin)
Quick Facts
- Series
- Sam Raimi's Spider-Man
- First
- Spider-Man (2002)
- Last
- Spider-Man 3 (2007)
- Adapted By
- David Koepp
- Based On
- Harry Osborn · Stan Lee · Steve Ditko
- Portrayer
- James Franco
- Voice
- Ian Ziering (Spider-Man: The New Animated Series) / Josh Keaton (first and second film games, Spider-Man: Friend or Foe) / James Franco (third film game)
- Full Name
- Harold Theopolis Osborn
- Species
- Human, later human mutate
- Origin
- New York City, U.S.
- Significant Other
- Mary Jane Watson (ex-girlfriend) / Unnamed girlfriend
- Family
- Norman Osborn (father) / Unnamed mother / Unnamed younger brother
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Harry Osborn is the wealthy son of Norman Osborn, with a strained relationship with his father. He and Peter Parker become close friends after meeting in school, though Harry initially flirts with Mary Jane Watson, Peter's crush. Harry's desire to please his father leads him to treat Mary Jane as a trophy, and he becomes jealous of Norman's fondness for Peter. After Norman's death as the Green Goblin, Harry blames Spider-Man and, upon discovering Peter is the web-slinger, vows revenge. He takes on the New Goblin mantle, using his father's technology, but eventually reconciles with Peter after coming to terms with his misguided hatred.
Reader's Guide
Harry Osborn's significance in the Sam Raimi film series lies in his role as a tragic foil to Peter Parker. His character explores themes of friendship, jealousy, and the burden of legacy. James Franco's portrayal, though receiving mixed reviews in the first two films, brought Harry to wider mainstream exposure as one of Franco's first major film roles. His performance in Spider-Man 3 (2007) was more warmly received, earning him four award nominations. Harry's arc from loyal friend to vengeful New Goblin and back to ally underscores the series' emphasis on personal conflict and redemption. The character's design, including the modified New Goblin suit and glider, reflected responses to earlier criticism of the Green Goblin costume.
Did You Know?
- James Franco was originally considered for the role of Spider-Man before Tobey Maguire was cast.
- A real-life feud emerged between Franco and Maguire due to an off-hand remark Franco made.
- The New Goblin's glider was nicknamed the 'Sky Stick' in promotional materials.
- Sam Raimi said Harry suffering from amnesia in the first act of Spider-Man 3 was a way to rekindle his broken friendship with Peter.
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