Maguire took time to shake hands with scores of fans Spider-Man's global footprint

Tobey Maguire, 31, who plays Spider-Man, was at the screening in London's Leicester Square on Monday.

He was joined by many of his fellow stars as he walked down the red-and-black carpet, complete with spider logos.

Some fans - who had queued for hours - wore Spider-Man suits in honour of their favourite superhero.

They were kept entertained by footage from the film, which was broadcast on five giant screens overlooking the square.

And their persistence paid off when Maguire and co-star Kirsten Dunst paused to greet scores of fans, despite a gruelling promotion schedule that will take them around the world.

'Big event'

The stars were in Japan last Monday for the world premiere, and will fly to Italy on Tuesday for the third of nine premieres.

Maguire, 31, said: "I'm a little tired, but I feel pretty present.

"I'm having a lot of fun, this is a big event, and I'm really proud of this move, so I'm really excited about it."

In the film, Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man is enjoying life with the beautiful Mary Jane Watson when he discovers a mysterious black suit that enhances his power, but stirs hidden feelings of bitterness and revenge.

Maguire explained it is the darker side of Parker's personality that comes out in the third instalment.

They [the fans] are so excited here, so it gives me a lot of energy Kirsten Dunst

"Peter Parker has been getting a lot of attention from the public, getting praised, and he is basking in the glory of being Spider-Man," he explained.

"It turns into a certain level of arrogance and self-importance, which starts him on his journey to a darker side of himself."

US actress Dunst, who wore a black Rodarte dress, said she was thrilled to be at the screening.

"They [the fans] are so excited here, so it gives me a lot of energy."

She added that Spider-Man 3 was "the best collaboration of them all.

"There's a lot of action and drama."

And she laughed: "I have no complaints about kissing Tobey in the film. He's a good kisser."

Passionate

Other stars at the premiere included Rosemary Harris, who plays Aunt Mae, James Franco who plays Harry, and Topher Grace who stars as the villainous Venom.

Grace said he was pleased to be spending time in London.

"This kind of reception is great," he said, "and it helps when you are so passionate about the work."

The film cost about �124m to make - rumoured to be the most expensive film ever made.

The original two films, also directed by Sam Raimi, took a joint total of �800m at the box office.

Many fans donned Spider-Man outfits for the occasion

So it was no surprise that speculation over whether the webbed wonder will return for a fourth outing had already begun.

Maguire said he would not rule out appearing as the superhero again.

He said: "I would consider it if the script was right and the right cast was in place."

Raimi, who was rumoured to want to make the Hobbit instead of another Spider-Man film, said he would like to keep the superhero alive with another movie.

But he would not be drawn on whether it was in the pipeline.

"It's very exciting to see that so many people are interested in the movie.

"I don't know what I'm going to be doing next, so I think I'm looking forward to spending a little bit of time with my family."

The film is released in Japan, China and selected European countries on 1 May and opens in the UK and US on 4 May.