Comic-Con 2011: Andrew Garfield’s Touching ‘Spider-Man’ Speech

In what is definitely a first at the San Diego Comic-Con, a star of a huge franchise took the stand on the stage where fans normally ask questions and addressed the media in a heartfelt, inspirational speech. This is how Andrew Garfield chose to make his first outing as Spider-Man in Sony’s “The Amazing Spider-Man.”

As the video below will confirm, the British actor chose to promote the upcoming film in an entirely different manner: instead of speaking in vague terms and doing his best to dodge questions to the media, he addressed fans, as only a fan would.

He took to the stage in one of those cheap Spidey costumes one finds a dime a dozen and proceeded to speak of why Spider-Man was important to him as a kid growing up – and consequently, why it was such an honor to be able to breathe life into the character for the new film.

It was definitely one of the most touching moments and most heartfelt speeches ever delivered at the popular convention.

“You have no idea how much this means to me. I’ve always wanted to come here as a fan, and this is my first time, so here I am as a fan,” Garfield said, visibly moved and with his voice quivering.

Spider-Man’s popularity is best explained by his relatability – and this also applies in Andrew’s case.

“I needed Spidey in my life when I was a kid and he gave me hope. In every comic I read, he was living out my – and every skinny boy’s – fantasy of being stronger, of being free of the body I was born into, and that swinging sensation of flight,” the actor said.

“I think we all wish that we had the courage to stick up for ourselves more, to stick up for our loved one more, or even a stranger you see being mistreated,” he added.

“And Peter Parker has inspired me to feel stronger, he made me – Andrew – braver, he reassured me that by doing the right thing, it’s worth it, it’s worth the struggle, it’s worth the pain, it’s worth even the tears, the bruises and the blood,” Garfield told the crowd.

He also said that he was at a loss for words to express how proud and honored he felt to have been chosen to be a part of the Spider-Man universe, he the skinny boy who once almost believed he couldn’t do anything.

To conclude, Garfield described standing in front of the fans and the press at Comic-Con “the coolest moment of my life,” thanking all those present for being there with him to share the experience.

“The Amazing Spider-Man” is out in theaters in April 2012.