An item was listed on eBay yesterday (eBay Item #320120102511) titled “2002 Spiderman Movie Webshooter Prop“:
Link to archived auction: eBay Auction Spider-Man Webshooters Archive
By way of background, this is purportedly a design idea abandoned in pre-production – in the first film, having the web-spinning abilities being an innate organic ability is used in place of the comic book use of technology-based practical webshooters.
I went to the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) circa release of the first Spider-Man film, and on display at the Activision booth was a prototype webshooter. I did not take photos, but an article showing such photos is still available at Aint it Cool News – LINK
While this eBay auction item is listed in the “Reproductions” category on eBay, the prop is described as original to the production:
This is an amazing collectors peice for any interested in adding to their collection or even trying to start. The webshooter comes from the set of Spider-Man the movie which was released in 2002. Sam Rami, the director originally was going to go with the direction of the comic books having the character use webshooters that was filled with a web type fluid. During pre-production the director scrapped the idea but before there distruction many people were able to get a hold of them.
This product includes a webshooter which can be worn or left in the frame case. In addition this prop includes a Spider-Man webshooter movie concept art. Like I said this can be an amazing collectors piece, which can be hung on the wall in the frame case.
In comparing the photos of the E3 prototype with the eBay item, there are some obvious differences.
Here is a comparison of both sets of photos:
Here is a link to a higher resolution version of the comparison above: Webshooters Comparison
Here is a close-up comparison of the main photos at similar angles:
Here is a link to a higher resolution version of the close-up comparison above: Webshooters Close-up Comparison
While similar in overall appearances, there is some very noticeable differences. The band on the E3 prototype is much wider in proportion to the unit, whereas the eBay piece has a band that is much narrower. The battery contacts are of a different design. Detailing on the emitter appears to be different. Some of the, as I understand it, “found” parts are similar in the two pieces, but different upon close examination. The E3 prototype appears to be much more refined, detailed, and intricate.
In performing additional research, there are several old RPF topics related to this particular prototype design, and it appears that some fan made replicas may have been produced:
Spiderman 1 Web shooters(the non organic ones)
Spiderman Movie WebShooter.UPDATE PICS
Even though this prop for sale on eBay is in the “Reproductions” category, it is being marketed as an original piece, so I would caution anyone interested in the piece to make a clear determination of what it is. In any event, this article and photo comparisons can serve as a future reference to hobbyists interested in such a piece.
If anyone has any material information pertaining to either the original prototypes or any replicas, please feel free to comment in this topic or contact me.
Jason De Bord