LOS ANGELES: Tobey Maguire is an “excellent dad”, according to his Spider-Man 3 co-star James Franco.

Franco, who plays Harry Osborn in the superhero franchise, says he has seen a new side to Maguire since the arrival of his daughter Ruby in November.

Franco told People magazine, “It’s strange, because I’ve known Tobey about six or seven years, and to see him grow over those years, I’m really proud of him. He seems like he’s an excellent dad. He’s completely consumed with that child.”

Ruby and Maguire’s fiancée Jennifer Meyer have accompanied the actor all over the world while he promotes Spider-Man 3.

Franco is not the only one impressed by Maguire’s parenting skills. Rosemary Harris, who plays the web-slinging hero’s Aunt May in the comic book movies, describes the 31-year-old as a “natural father”. She added, “Ruby looks just like Tobey. She’s a happy little baby with her dimples. He’s a kind, loving person.”