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Following the completion of the latest game, fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Marvel's Spider-Man 3. The game concluded with enticing suggestions of the reappearance of villains and a looming threat for both Peter and Miles.
The next major sequel is expected to feature the prominent antagonist, the Green Goblin, leaving the question unanswered regarding whether it will be Norman or Harry who assumes the role of this iconic villain. Moreover, it is anticipated that both Venom and Carnage will make appearances. Additionally, there is speculation about the potential development of a standalone Venom game and the exciting possibility of Venom being possessed by another character, such as Eddie Brock.
Fans of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are eagerly awaiting the release of Marvel's Spider-Man 3. With the five-year gap between major sequels (excluding the Miles Morales-based spinoff), it's no wonder that fans are curious about when they can expect the next installment. The ending of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 hints at the return of several villains, ensuring that there will be plenty of danger ahead for both Peter and Miles. Could there be other Spider-Heroes joining the fight? Join us as we explore the potential return of villains on the dark side. Spoilers ahead.
6. The Green Goblin
Norman Osborn/???
Batman is famously paired with The Joker, while Spider-Man's archenemy is The Green Goblin. Fans have eagerly anticipated the villain's appearance in some form since Insomniac's series began. It's highly likely that he will be the primary antagonist in the next major sequel. In a crucial moment, Norman sits next to Harry's hospital bed and makes a phone call requesting the G-Serum. This potent formula is responsible for transforming Norman into the Green Goblin, although the specifics may vary depending on the comic version.
5. Venom
However, the question remains: if Harry is granted the G-Serum, will he transform into the Green Goblin? It would seem unusual to cast Harry as the antagonist for two consecutive games, playing two distinct characters. Perhaps, it is more plausible that Norman himself will undergo the serum's injection. As of now, the true identity of the Green Goblin remains shrouded in mystery, yet fans can be reassured that this notorious villain will make an appearance in some form.
Harry Osborn/???
Insomniac has hinted at creating a standalone Venom game within their universe, but their statements have been somewhat ambiguous. This is surprising considering the apparent demise of Venom after Peter and Miles rescued Harry from its clutches. It is possible that traces of Venom still exist within Harry, suggesting that he may awaken from his coma as a rejuvenated version of the symbiote. An independent sequel could be situated between Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Marvel's Spider-Man 3, similar to the release of Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales alongside the launch of the PS5.
The entirety of the game could unfold within Harry's psyche as he grapples with the emotions and experiences of Venom, resembling a more fantastical interpretation akin to Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, although not every Marvel enthusiast may catch this reference. Apart from Harry, Venom could also manifest through another character in the next Insomniac game, such as Eddie Brock, offering an alternative perspective.
4. Carnage
The Flame/Cletus Kasady
While Venom's presence in the sequel remains uncertain due to the possibility of Harry's body being utilized for the Green Goblin project, a return of Carnage is almost guaranteed. In Marvel's Spider-Man 2, players will embark on a series of side missions with Peter, aiding Wraith in her pursuit of a cult. Seeking revenge against the enigmatic leader known as The Flame, Wraith is driven by the memories of what he perpetrated against her police unit during her time as a cop.
At the conclusion of these missions, it is unveiled that The Flame is none other than Cletus Kasady, the individual assimilated by the symbiote Carnage. In every primary Spider-Man game developed by Insomniac thus far, two antagonists have been featured in the core narrative. It is simple to imagine the potential alliance between Carnage and The Green Goblin. Equally conceivable is the notion of Venom assuming the role of a hero in this instance, battling against the ultimate symbiotic malevolence of Carnage.
3. Doc Ock
Dr. Otto Octavius
In the first game, there are two villains: Mr. Negative and Doc Ock. Both characters have significant connections to Peter's normal life. Mr. Negative, known as Martin Li, operates a homeless shelter called FEAST where Peter volunteers. On the other hand, Doc Ock serves as a mentor to Peter and they collaborate at Oscorp. Of course, a Spider-Man story wouldn't be complete without a descent into madness, which is exactly what happens to both characters.
Regarding Doc Ock, the malfunctioning chip in his robotic arms drives him into a state of uncontrollable fury. The climactic battle in the game is intense, yet Doc Ock manages to survive. He resurfaces in the post-credits scene of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 when Norman Osborn seeks assistance in exposing Spider-Man's true identity. Will Doc Ock embrace his role as a villain in the sequel, or will he reject Norman's offer and instead choose to assist Peter as a regular human rather than a strange cyborg octopus?
2. Mr. Negative
Martin Li
In Marvel's Spider-Man 2, the notorious Mr. Negative, once a formidable foe for Peter, now emerges as the nemesis of Miles. Haunted by the tragic demise of his father at the hands of Mr. Negative, Miles grapples with an internal conflict. Can he find solace by taking the life of his father's killer? Will vengeance bring him the inner peace he seeks?
Through a deep therapeutic journey, Miles achieves remarkable progress in overcoming his anger. During this calming process, Martin Li rediscovers his true self and acknowledges the mistakes he has made. Together, Miles and Martin join forces to rescue Peter from the depths of Venom's consciousness. It is highly probable that Martin will make a comeback in the sequel, albeit not necessarily as Mr. Negative. Additionally, other former adversaries such as Sandman, also known as Flint Marko, and Mysterio, a.k.a. Quentin Beck, may resurface as unexpected allies.
1. The Chameleon
Dimitri Smerdyakov
Kraven, the villain from Marvel's Spider-Man 2, will not be making a comeback. In a gruesome turn of events, Venom (in his Harry form) decapitates Kraven, leaving a horrifying sight. However, there is a potential for Kraven's return through his brother, The Chameleon. Although The Chameleon has a minor role in the game, he is featured in a series of missions where Peter or Miles must locate Kraven's robotic birds.
Ultimately, when their tracking chips guide them to The Chameleon's hideout, he remains elusive and observes Spider-Man from afar as an ambiguous character, speaking to no one in particular about carrying on his brother's legacy. The Chameleon may choose to come back as Kraven to play mind games with Peter and Miles, or he could adopt a darker approach by impersonating someone closer to them. It would truly be a twisted plot if The Chameleon were to portray either Hailey or MJ.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Platform(s) PS5Released October 20, 2023Developer(s) Insomniac GamesGenre(s) Open-World, Action-Adventure
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Marvel's Spider-Man, I am thrilled about the potential lineup of antagonists teased for the sequel. The Green Goblin, Venom, Carnage, and Doc Ock are all iconic villains with rich histories in the Spider-Man mythos, and it will be exciting to see how Insomniac Games brings them to life in their own unique way. I am particularly intrigued by the possibility of the Green Goblin being either Norman or Harry Osborn, as this would add an interesting layer of complexity to the story.
Additionally, the idea of a standalone Venom game set between Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Marvel's Spider-Man 3 is an exciting prospect. I would love to see Insomniac Games explore Venom's character and motivations in more depth, and I think a standalone game would give them the opportunity to do just that. Overall, I am very excited about the future of the Marvel's Spider-Man series, and I can't wait to see what Insomniac Games has in store for us.