Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Rolls in with a Surprising Twist: Prepare to be Amazed!

Highlights

Marvel's Spider-Man 2's Big Wheel reference shows that Insomniac is aware of the absurdity and silliness associated with the character.

Insomniac may be teasing Big Wheel by naming a Ferris wheel after him, suggesting that he may not be portrayed as a villain in the game.

Including Big Wheel for comedic value could detract from the development of other compelling antagonists and may impact the sequel's overall atmosphere.

Spider-Man has a plethora of villains, and among the many antagonists he encounters, there are some that are more enjoyable than others. Certain characters, like Doctor Octopus, Venom, and Green Goblin, are widely popular and frequently featured in Spider-Man media. However, niche and lesser-known villains like Shocker, Dr. Von Schlick, or Kangaroo also have a devoted fanbase that appreciates them.

In the game Marvel’s Spider-Man, the focus has largely been on showcasing classic villains, which was logical considering it was the fans' first introduction to this particular interpretation of the web-slinger and his foes. This approach allowed the developers at Insomniac to easily introduce recognizable villains, while also giving lesser-known characters like Mr. Negative more screen time and development. Unfortunately, some fans may be disappointed to learn that although Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 includes a character named Big Wheel, it is not the beloved and absurd villain with the same name.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s Big Wheel Reference Might Be as Close as Fans Get

Big Wheel is undoubtedly Spider-Man's most astonishing and extravagant adversary, to the extent that fans can be certain he would never make a serious appearance in present times. Big Wheel is literally a person riding in a colossal wheel, and while there could be potential modifications or weaponry added to make it more intriguing, it is unlikely that there will ever be a more nonsensical or baseless villain concept.

Interestingly enough, it is precisely this absurdity that some fans find endearing. Insomniac, being aware of this, has included a clear reference to Big Wheel in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, where it is used as the ostentatious name for Coney Island's Ferris wheel. However, this reference does not necessarily indicate that Big Wheel will be featured as an antagonist, but rather implies the opposite.

Insomniac likely wants to jokingly reference the character without actually including him in the game, hence the naming of a Ferris wheel after him. It would be quite hilarious if Big Wheel were to appear in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and if anyone could make him a funny and legendary antagonist, it would surely be Insomniac. However, it's more probable that Insomniac has chosen not to satisfy fans to that extent by capitalizing on the potential meme value of including him in a side quest or opening sequence.

Including Big Wheel wouldn't be the most unconventional decision Insomniac has made with the Marvel's Spider-Man franchise. However, it would ultimately take away a spot that could be given to another potential villain, and the potential for amusing memes might be less exciting compared to having fully developed adversaries, particularly if Marvel's Spider-Man 2 aims to be somber and dramatic. The tone of the sequel is an important factor to consider, but if the story could use some lightheartedness, Big Wheel could definitely fulfill that role. Regardless, Insomniac's reference to Big Wheel is charming, even if it's as close as fans will get to seeing the villain in action.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 launches on October 20, exclusively for PlayStation 5.