Spider-Man star Tobey Maguire opened up about the challenges of transitioning from a superhero to jockey slim for the 2003 film Seabiscuit.

Known for bringing the popular superhero Spider-Man on-screen in the beloved trilogy, Tobey Maguire also had to follow a strict regimen to prepare for his role. The actor reportedly worked out four days a week and adhered to a high-protein diet for his Spider-Man debut on-screen in Sam Raimi’s 2002 film.

Spider-Man | Credit: Sony

While the film performed well and established the actor as one of the most beloved figures in the superhero genre, his ripped physique caused issues for his role in the 2003 sports film Seabiscuit. Transforming from the bulked-up superhero look to the lean, jockey physique required for the film proved to be a significant challenge for Maguire.

Tobey Maguire’s Challenging Transformation For Seabiscuit

Tobey Maguire’s hard work for Spider-Man paid off, as he sported a superhero physique. However, embodying the muscular superhero became an issue for his next film, in which he was cast in the role of the Canadian horse jockey, John ‘Red’ Pollard.

The Oscar-nominated film shares the story of an undersized horse, Seabiscuit, who becomes a symbol of hope during the Great Depression, focusing on the journey of the horse and its unlikely trio of owner, trainer, and jockey.

Starring alongside Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper, Maguire played horse racing jockey, Red Pollard. And his role in the movie required him to slim down for the leaner jockey look.

In an interview with IGN, the actor opened up about the challenges of keeping up with the physique for the movie. He shared that he had to cut down to 1,500 calories a day while constantly following his workout routine weekly.
A still from Seabiscuit | Credit: Universal Pictures
However, the hardest part was to maintain the look for the movie throughout the filming process, as he told the outlet,

The hard part is maintaining it while shooting. You’re working 14 hours a day and you still have to be on a diet even though you’re so tired and you’re not getting enough sleep and all you want is sugar.

The actor also shared that he had moments of indulgence in sugary treats. However, he had to face the consequences of these breakdowns by redoubling his efforts to get the lean body required for his jockey character.

Tobey Maguire Reflected on Embracing Heroic Roles in Spider-Man and Seabiscuit

During his conversation with IGN, Tobey Maguire also reflected on his heroic roles, such as Spider-Man and Red Pollard in Seabiscuit, which elevated him to the status of a hero, resonating with audiences on a larger scale.

“Personally, I’m coming from inside both stories and I identify with both,” he said. The actor further discussed how both stories involved overcoming significant personal and external challenges.

Tobey Maguire as Red Pollard | Credit: Universal Pictures

I think Red Pollard feeling abandoned and living in a very difficult time and being poverty-stricken, he has a lot of personal stuff to overcome, to allow himself to be a part of his team. But he also finds other broken down people and a horse and together, they’re just the right team to succeed.

“It’s kind of a classic outsider nerd kind of kid who gets to be a superhero, which is pretty cool,” he said, reflecting on the role that cemented his place in the hearts of fans.

He also touched on the relatable appeal of Spider-Man, an outsider who becomes a superhero, highlighting how different kinds of heroes and inspirational stories resonate with the audience.

Spider-Man is available to stream on Disney +.

Seabiscuit is available to stream on Prime Video.