Spider-Gwen: Unraveling the Multiverse Web

In superhero and comic book movies like Avengers: Infinity War or Justice League, it is not uncommon for there to be multiple main characters. This is exemplified by the possibility of any one of the heroes being considered the protagonist. However, things become even more complex when a portal to the multi-verse is opened, leading to numerous versions of the main character. This is exactly what happens in the captivating animated sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

With Across the Spider-Verse expanding the multi-verse concept and introducing a fresh set of Spider-People, it becomes evident that the story no longer solely revolves around Miles Morales. Instead, the second film delves deeper into the character of Gwen Stacy, known as Spider-Woman or Spider-Gwen, and highlights her crucial role in the Spider-Verse franchise.

Spider-Verse's Spider-Gwen is a Pivotal Character

Spider-Gwen has played a crucial role in Miles' journey to becoming Spider-Man since the first Spider-Verse film. Transported into his dimension, Earth-1610, she looked after him at Visions Academy. Their bond grew stronger than any other Spider-People he encountered, including Peter B. Parker, inspiring Miles to forge his own path as Spider-Man rather than conforming to his dimension's original Spidey.

In the sequel film, she becomes Miles' link to the Spider-Verse, unwittingly guiding him through the inter-dimensional portal she opens. This leads him to the Spider Society, overseen by Spider-Man 2099. Beyond advancing the plot, Gwen serves as a driving force for Miles, encouraging him to persevere both as Spider-Man and as himself.

Miles and Gwen rely solely on each other for friendship as the demands of being Spider-Man/Woman have taken a toll on their personal lives. Their absence from each other's lives would likely diminish their concern for the other Spider-People in the Spider-Verse, making them the main reason for their fascination with exploring it. Essentially, their strong desire to see each other drives their motivation to travel through the Spider-Verse.

Although Miles has openly expressed his romantic feelings for Gwen, it remains uncertain whether she reciprocates those feelings or if she is actively resisting them. Regardless of being in love or not, Gwen's care for Miles becomes evident towards the end of Across the Spider-Verse as she rallies her team of Spider-People in an attempt to rescue him from his alternate self, the Prowler.

Spider-Gwen Has a Full Arc in Across the Spider-Verse

Spider-Gwen serves as both the opening and closing chapters of the sequel film. From the moment she is introduced playing drums to the moment she leads her team of Spider-People, she undergoes a transformative journey.

Throughout the majority of the film, Gwen is desperate to escape her own reality. She tries to distract herself from the weight of her tragic past, having inadvertently caused the death of her best friend, Peter Parker. Consequently, she becomes the primary target of the NYPD, led by her own father, Captain George Stacy. Despite attempts to find solace in joining a band, she fails. Moreover, she faces a strained relationship with her father, who relentlessly pursues her capture as Spider-Woman. Additionally, Gwen comes to the realization that she may never see Miles again, leading her down a path of solitude as a "lone spider."

After defeating the Renaissance Vulture alongside Spider-Man 2099 and Jessica Drew, she is compelled to disclose her true identity to her father. Faced with a difficult choice, she must either join the other Spideys on their journey into the Spider-Verse or confront the consequences imposed by her police officer father without any bias. This decision greatly saddens her, ultimately leading to her resolution of leaving her world behind.

Throughout the rest of the film, she unintentionally damages her closest relationships in various ways. The trust between her and Miles is hindered when he discovers that she was aware of the significant event involving his father's impending death. Furthermore, after assisting Miles in escaping to his own universe (or so he believes), she is expelled from the Spider Society and forced to return to her original universe.

This is the moment of confrontation between her and her father. She confesses that it was because of him that she took on the identity of Spider-Woman after being bitten by the spider. She had intended to use her powers for the greater good. However, when George betrayed Spider-Woman, even after knowing that she was Gwen, his own daughter, she lost all sense of identity and abandoned her fundamental beliefs as a Spider-Person. At this point, George reveals that he resigned from his job as a police officer to mend their relationship. It is through this revelation that Gwen finally realizes what she must do.

Gwen comes to the realization that the true value lies not in her powers or the mask she wears, but in the meaningful connections she has forged throughout her journey. When George presents her with the inter-dimensional bracelet abandoned by Spider-Punk, Gwen makes the decision to assemble a team of Spideys and embark on a mission to rescue Miles. She understands that to embody the spirit of a Spider-Person, she must first embrace her own identity as Gwen, and what Gwen truly desires is to safeguard her cherished relationships. Rather than viewing her powers as a means of proving herself to her father, Gwen recognizes that they serve a greater purpose—they empower her to protect the people she holds dear.

Spider-Gwen Can Keep Driving the Story in Beyond the Spider-Verse

In the final moments of Across the Spider-Verse, a thrilling cliffhanger unfolds, as Miles finds himself in the clutches of the relentless Prowler. Gwen takes charge and forms a formidable rescue team consisting of Hobie (Spider-Punk), Margo Kess, Pavitr, and the beloved Spider-People from the first installment, including Peter B., his daughter Mayday, Peni Parker, Spider-Ham, and Spider-Man Noir. The plot ingeniously sets the stage for the third film, with Gwen's team embarking on an epic journey to save Miles.

In addition to the storyline, she imparts valuable lessons to Miles about the value of companionship and the advantages of teamwork. By the end of the movie, Miles develops a belief that he is alone and must face his challenges by himself, embracing the burden of being Spider-Man. However, like Gwen has learned, being a Spider-Person is not just about using their powers to benefit themselves, but also about helping the people who matter most and those in need of rescue.

Undoubtedly, Spider-Gwen will play a central role in Beyond the Spider-Verse, driving the story forward as a pivotal character.