Breaking the Mold: Spider-Man 4 - A Game-Changer In the Making

Highlights

Tom Holland's Spider-Man has relied heavily on other heroes throughout his time in the MCU, from teaming up with Tony Stark to working with the Avengers and Doctor Strange.

Fans are excitedly anticipating Spider-Man's departure from this pattern, hoping for his transformation into a self-reliant and accomplished protagonist who confronts obstacles on his own. Spider-Man: No Way Home has presented a favorable circumstance for Spider-Man 4 to delve into Peter Parker's individual exploits, enabling his personal growth and confrontation with adversaries without any external support.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe boasts numerous beloved superheroes, but one in particular that fans consistently gravitate towards is Tom Holland’s portrayal of Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man. Since his introduction in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man has captivated audiences with his humorous quips and thrilling action sequences. Thankfully, the character's backstory was largely omitted. Though Holland's rendition of Spider-Man has garnered a devoted following, some fans feel that he is missing a certain quality that previous iterations nailed in their own distinctive ways. While the latest incarnation of Spider-Man is undeniably unique, this hasn't always translated into a positive reception, especially for those longing for more standalone Spider-Man narratives. It is high time for the MCU's Spider-Man to break free from the pattern of relying heavily on other heroes and instead emerge as a new leader within the MCU.

Tom Holland's Spider-Man Works With Other Marvel Heroes

Tom Holland's Spider-Man has consistently been portrayed as a team player in the MCU. Starting with his debut in Captain America: Civil War, he aligns himself with Tony Stark to fight against Captain America's forces, even if he doesn't fully grasp the situation. In Spider-Man: Homecoming, he maintains constant communication with Tony Stark and utilizes his advanced technology. In his second solo film, Spider-Man: Far From Home, he collaborates with prominent figures like Nick Fury and Mysterio. The highly anticipated Spider-Man: No Way Home further showcases his alliance with multiversal Spider-Men and Doctor Strange.

Notably, Spider-Man also plays pivotal roles in the team-up movies Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, where he joins forces with numerous MCU heroes. These adventures have transformed Peter Parker from a friendly neighborhood superhero into a galaxy-traveling one. Throughout his time in the MCU, Spider-Man has always relied on more experienced heroes for support or guidance, or so he believed.

Spider-Man 4 Should See Peter Working Alone

Throughout his journey, Peter Parker has consistently relied on the assistance and intervention of others, allowing him to remain a wide-eyed newcomer. This portrayal of the character is not to be criticized, as it effectively captures his youthful essence. However, the clamor for a more mature and capable Spider-Man has grown increasingly louder over the years. In the future, it is conceivable that Spider-Man may collaborate with additional heroes purely to satisfy the desires of fans. Yet, that does not necessarily mean it is the most prudent course of action.

Spider-Man 4 is at a crossroads, with numerous possibilities for the direction of the franchise. However, there is a consensus that it is essential for the film to allow Peter Parker to come into his own as a hero. Spider-Man is beloved for his ability to work independently while also maintaining relationships with other superheroes, as well as his limited resources. It may seem peculiar, but fans derive satisfaction from witnessing Peter Parker navigate the challenges of his everyday life and swing through the city as the friendly neighborhood hero. Fortunately, the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home have laid the foundation for this very character development. However, this trajectory might quickly change depending on the studio's intentions for the iconic character.

The end of Spider-Man: No Way Home marked a significant shift in the MCU. Peter convinces Doctor Strange to make their universe forget his identity as Peter Parker. According to Strange, even he will no longer know who Peter is when they meet again. This sets the stage for Peter to have his own solo adventures in Spider-Man 4, where he can fully develop as a competent hero. While it may seem repetitive to some, Peter will likely meet new friends in college to fill the roles of Ned and MJ, giving him some kind of supporting cast.

As long as Peter's identity remains a secret from his new cast in Spider-Man 4, there is great potential for creative storytelling. Fans want to see Spider-Man facing challenges without relying on anyone but himself, showcasing his brilliance and creativity. The MCU doesn't have to go to extremes like giving Peter six arms, but allowing him to unintentionally cause his own problems will bring back the classic Parker Luck. Enduring hardships will enable Peter to grow and feel like a seasoned hero in the MCU, rather than a newcomer like Kamala Khan.

If Peter is left to fend for himself, villains would pose an even bigger threat. He can't rely on the Avengers if a villain targets someone in his personal life without risking his secret identity. This means that the conflicts and their resolutions are solely in Peter's hands. While we have seen glimpses of this in his past movies, Spider-Man 4 requires him to face these challenges alone, just like Toby Maguire and Andrew Garfield did before him. With a more independent Spider-Man in Spider-Man 4, the potential for greatness is immense for our beloved web-slinger.

You can now stream Spider-Man on Disney+.