When it comes to superhero films, audiences often marvel at the action-packed stunts, breathtaking rescues, and daring sequences. But behind the magic of movie-making, those same stunts can take a toll on the actors who perform them. Actress Bryce Dallas Howard, known for her versatile roles across Hollywood, recently opened up about the lingering effects of her time on Spider-Man 3—specifically, the injury she sustained while playing Gwen Stacy.
Looking Back at Spider-Man 3
Howard, now 44, attended L.A. Comic Con at the Los Angeles Convention Center on September 27, where she reflected on her 2007 experience filming Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3. In the film, she portrayed Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker’s lab partner and, in the comics, one of his earliest loves. However, in Raimi’s storyline, Gwen was primarily used by Peter (played by Tobey Maguire) to make Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) jealous.
Despite Gwen’s complicated role in the story, Howard recalled the experience fondly. “I have so many good memories from making that movie,” she shared during the panel. She described the atmosphere on set as “a company, like a band, like a little circus” where everyone knew their craft and came together to create something spectacular for audiences.
She praised director Sam Raimi for being “unbelievably collaborative and inclusive,” noting that the entire cast and crew were united in their mission to dazzle fans. It was this experience, she admitted, that inspired her to set a personal career goal: to be part of major film franchises. Since then, Howard has indeed achieved that dream, taking roles in the Jurassic World series, Twilight, and even directing episodes of The Mandalorian in the Star Wars universe.
Doing Her Own Stunts
Of course, one of the most memorable parts of Gwen Stacy’s time in Spider-Man 3 involved being saved by Spider-Man in dramatic fashion. While these moments thrilled moviegoers, they weren’t without challenges for Howard.
“As an actor, you want to be able to do as much as you can,” Howard said, explaining that she worked closely with stunt coordinators to execute scenes safely. Still, she admitted that some stunts left a lasting impression—literally.
One recurring issue was the act of being “caught” by Spider-Man, a move that required sudden pulls or jolts during action sequences. “Getting caught can pull your arm out a little bit,” she revealed, gesturing to her shoulder. Over time, these repeated stunts injured her left shoulder.
An Injury That Stuck
After filming, Howard visited her osteopath to assess the damage. She recalled with a laugh, “He was like, ‘Were you dragged by a truck?’ And I said, ‘No. I was rescued by Spider-Man, of course.’”
Even years later, Howard admits she’s “very cautious” when it comes to physical activities. While she enjoys staying active, she has become more mindful of safety. “I’m a safety fanatic,” she explained. Though she doesn’t suffer from a long list of aches and pains, her shoulder remains a reminder of the price actors sometimes pay for authenticity on screen.
A History of Pushing Through
This isn’t the only time Howard has sustained injuries while filming action-packed roles. In July 2020, during the production of Jurassic World: Dominion, she shared photos on social media revealing large bruises on both arms, the result of intense stunt work. Alongside the images, she cheerfully wrote, “Raise your hands if you’re happy to be doing stunts again!!”
Her willingness to take on physical challenges has made her a fan favorite in action-heavy roles, but her honesty about the realities behind the camera also resonates with audiences who may not realize just how demanding stunt work can be.
The Legacy of Gwen Stacy
During the panel, Howard was also asked about her thoughts on potentially returning to the role of Gwen Stacy, especially as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to explore multiverse storylines. To the delight of fans, she expressed enthusiasm, saying she would “always be game” to reprise the role.
Still, Howard humbly acknowledged that, in her opinion, Emma Stone’s portrayal of Gwen in The Amazing Spider-Man series is “the definitive Gwen Stacy” for that universe. Stone played the character opposite Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man in the 2012 and 2014 films. Meanwhile, the character also lives on in the animated Spider-Verse movies, where she’s voiced by Hailee Steinfeld.
This layered history of Gwen Stacy across multiple timelines showcases the enduring popularity of the character, and Howard remains proud to have contributed to that legacy, even if her time as Gwen came with its own physical costs.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on her injury, Howard emphasized the importance of balancing enthusiasm for doing stunts with respect for safety precautions. “While I love to be really active, I am very cautious,” she said. Her experience serves as a reminder that while stunt sequences can look effortless on screen, they demand immense effort, planning, and often carry risks for those involved.
For Howard, the memories of working on Spider-Man 3 remain overwhelmingly positive. The injury may have made her more careful, but it hasn’t dampened her passion for storytelling or her admiration for the collaborative process of filmmaking.
Final Thoughts
Bryce Dallas Howard’s candid reflections at L.A. Comic Con highlight both the excitement and the challenges of working in blockbuster films. Her time as Gwen Stacy gave her career inspiration, lasting friendships, and even a few battle scars. And though she remains cautious today, her enthusiasm for storytelling and franchise filmmaking has never dimmed.
As Marvel and other studios continue to explore multiverse concepts, fans can’t help but wonder if Howard might don Gwen Stacy’s shoes once more. Injury aside, she seems ready to step back into that world if the opportunity arises.