Spider-Man 3 is a 2007 superhero film that is the third film in the Spider-Man film franchise based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Spider-Man. Sam Raimi, who directed the previous two Spider-Man films, returns to direct the third installment with a returning cast that includes Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Rosemary Harris and J. K. Simmons. The film also stars franchise newcomers Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard and Thomas Haden Church. Spider-Man 3 will be released in multiple countries on May 1, 2007 and in the United States on May 4, 2007.