Set two years after the original, the film focuses on Peter Parker struggling to manage both his personal life and his duties as Spider-Man. The main villain in this film is Dr. Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina), who turns insane following a failed experiment and the death of his wife. Using his mechanical tentacles, Octavius is dubbed "Doctor Octopus" and threatens to endanger the lives of the people of New York City.
The film was released in 2004 in the United States by Columbia Pictures, and received positive reviews from critics. It grossed over $783 million worldwide, and won the Academy Award for Visual Effects. The film's success led to the final sequel, Spider-Man 3.