MCU: Marvel's Ultimate Success Lies in Adapting This Spider-Man Storyline
Marvel's potential for instant success lies in adapting the captivating Superior Spider-Man storyline, fueling a trilogy of its own in the MCU Stream Spider-Man movies and TV shows on Disney Plus, while Spider-Man: No Way Home is available on Starz via Prime Video
Article Key Points
Marvel should continue to differentiate Tom Holland's Spider-Man by giving fans something completely new in his next movie, just like they did with his introduction in the MCU.
The Superior Spider-Man story written by Dan Slott presents an ideal framework for at least one Spider-Man film, offering Marvel the opportunity to revamp a beloved antagonist within a captivating narrative. Utilizing this story as a foundation could serve as the optimal method to introduce the Marvel Cinematic Universe's iteration of Doctor Octopus, with the potential for an entire trilogy focused on this captivating storyline, elevating the stakes and providing audiences with a refreshing viewing experience.
Spider-Man holds the record for the most movies within the MCU, surpassing other Marvel characters like Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. Marvel was innovative in introducing Tom Holland's Spider-Man, opting for a fresh approach instead of retelling the familiar origins seen in previous films. Rather than the typical Uncle Ben narrative, Marvel should continue to differentiate Spider-Man by presenting something entirely novel in Tom Holland's upcoming movie.
Marvel has been presented with an ideal storyline by renowned comic book writer Dan Slott, yet it would only be fair to his narrative if it were to be spread across multiple films. The Superior Spider-Man plot offers Marvel the opportunity to reinvent a popular antagonist in line with how Spider-Man has been portrayed in the MCU. Simultaneously, it weaves an intriguing tale that offers Tom Holland a fresh perspective to explore. While there are numerous captivating comic book stories that have yet to be adapted for the big screen, the Superior Spider-Man narrative stands out as particularly compelling.
What is Superior Spider-Man?
Original Publication Date | January 2013 |
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Created By | Dan Slott and Ryan Stegman |
Written By | Dan Slott |
Artists | Ryan Stegman, Humberto Ramos, and Giuseppe Camuncoli |
In 2012, Dan Slott crafted a narrative that brought about the apparent demise of Doctor Otto Octavius, famously recognized worldwide as Doctor Octopus. Prior to the events of Superior Spider-Man in 2013, Doc Ock faced the inevitability of his own mortality. After years of engaging in villainous pursuits, the toll on Doc Ock's body became evident as it deteriorated from the prolonged battles with superheroes, most notably Spider-Man. Fueled by vengeance, Doc Ock devised one final scheme to settle the score with Spider-Man, holding him responsible for the majority of his deteriorating condition.
Otto successfully exchanges bodies with Peter, placing Peter's consciousness in Otto's dying body. Despite Peter's attempts to regain control, he ultimately fails and dies in Doc Ock's body. As a result, the true Doc Ock now possesses Spider-Man's abilities and strength. However, when Peter passes away, his memories overwhelm Octavius, filling him with a range of emotions, particularly empathy. This newfound empathy motivates Otto to assume the role of Spider-Man and carry on the web-slinger's mission. Nevertheless, he intends to be a different kind of Spider-Man. Otto Octavius emerges as the Superior Spider-Man.
However, Otto's approach as Spider-Man is notably more brutal and merciless compared to his predecessor. He adopts a harsher attitude towards crime, even resorting to killing numerous villains. This cruel behavior extends to his close associates, such as Black Cat, whom he treats as nothing more than a common criminal. These actions have lasting repercussions, even after Peter eventually returns.
With limited experience in understanding empathy and unfamiliar with various emotions, Octavius often relied on Peter's memories as a solution to his problems. This created an opportunity for Peter to regain control, as each time Octavius tapped into those memories, the consciousness of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man grew stronger. Eventually, when Norman Osborn, now the Goblin King, posed a threat to Doc Ock's love interest, Peter regained full control of his own body. This marked a resurrection for Otto, yet it hasn't deterred him from his ambition of becoming the Superior Spider-Man once again.
Why Superior Spider-Man is Perfect for the MCU
Spider-Man: No Way Home brought Alfred Molina's portrayal of Doctor Otto Octavius into the MCU, presenting a storyline where the character undergoes a transformation from a villain to a hero. However, the MCU may desire to have its own incarnation of Doctor Octopus. Despite Molina's exceptional performance, it is now opportune to pass the torch to another actor. There are various possibilities to incorporate the Superior Spider-Man narrative or an adapted version of it within the boundaries of the MCU, ultimately serving as a most fitting introduction for the MCU's Doctor Octopus.
In fact, introducing a Superior Spider-Man storyline across a trilogy would allow for the introduction of new villains in each installment. This would effectively showcase the extreme danger presented by Otto as a villain, elevating the stakes of an MCU Spider-Man film to the level of the Spider-Verse. Although opinions on Dan Slott's storytelling may vary among comic book fans, it is undeniable that he has created a fresh and captivating narrative that will undoubtedly generate discussions for years to come. Translating this onto the silver screen would provide cinematic audiences with something completely novel.
Spider-Man movies and TV shows are available to stream on Disney Plus
Spider-Man: No Way Home is available to stream on Starz via Prime Video
After the incidents in No Way Home, Peter finds himself alone in Manhattan. This vulnerability becomes an opportunity for the terminally ill Doc Ock to manipulate Spider-Man and gain his trust. Utilizing a sense of familiarity with Molina's Otto, Doc Ock's cunning and brutality are elevated, showcasing the true depth of his dangerous nature. Moreover, as Doc Ock uses Peter's body to unleash the familiar brutality fans recognize, J. Jonah Jameson's accusations of Spider-Man being a menace gain even more credibility.
Spider-Man's portrayal in this new project would not only captivate a larger audience, but also allow Tom Holland to showcase his undiscovered talents by taking on a dramatically different version of the beloved character.
Spider-Man has emerged as a major force in the world of entertainment. Initially introduced in the Marvel comic Amazing Fantasy #15, this superhero quickly rose to prominence within the Marvel comic-book universe. Additionally, Spider-Man has left a lasting impact through various films and an extensive range of video games, the most notable being Insomniac Games' Spider-Man (2018) and Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
Editor's P/S
As a long-time fan of Spider-Man, I am thrilled at the prospect of Marvel adapting the Superior Spider-Man storyline for the MCU. This storyline presents a unique opportunity to explore a different side of Spider-Man and his character. The Superior Spider-Man storyline is a captivating narrative that offers Tom Holland a fresh perspective to explore.
Marvel has been presented with an ideal storyline by renowned comic book writer Dan Slott, yet it would only be fair to his narrative if it were to be spread across multiple films. The Superior Spider-Man plot offers Marvel the opportunity to reinvent a popular antagonist in line with how Spider-Man has been portrayed in the MCU. Simultaneously, it weaves an intriguing tale that offers Tom Holland a fresh perspective to explore. While there are numerous captivating comic book stories that have yet to be adapted for the big screen, the Superior Spider-Man narrative stands out as particularly compelling.
