Highlights
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 may be laying the groundwork for Norman Osborn's transformation into the Green Goblin.
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The game's storyline hints that Harry Osborn might become Venom, potentially triggering a drastic change in Norman Osborn, who might then adopt the identity of the supervillain. The plot of the game could revolve around the demise of Harry Osborn, causing Norman Osborn to hold Spider-Man responsible and transform into the Green Goblin in order to seek vengeance.
Sony and developer Insomniac Games officially revealed Marvel's Spider-Man 2 in late 2021. The recently released trailer introduced Venom and Kraven the Hunter as the apparent antagonists. However, it seems that the game may also be setting the stage for the emergence of another major villain.
Throughout the Marvel's Spider-Man games, Norman Osborn has made unexpected appearances in a unique role. Although it's unclear how significant his role will be in the second game, the next installment appears to have the potential to pave the way for something significant involving him. While there have been suggestions that Green Goblin might make an appearance in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, it is more likely that the upcoming game will lay the groundwork for Norman's transformation in the next entry.
Norman Osborn's Role In the Marvel’s Spider-Man Universe Thus Far
Norman Osborn, in the Marvel's Spider-Man games, serves as a background antagonist. He holds the position of Mayor of New York City and also owns Oscorp. After a re-election rally bombing, he hires Silver Sable and Sable International to protect the city, resulting in New York City becoming a police state. Throughout the game's story, Spider-Man and his allies frequently clash with this new mercenary force.
A unique aspect of the first game is that most of the Spider-Man villains are motivated by a desire to harm Norman Osborn. Mister Negative carries out various terrorist attacks and unleashes the Devil's Breath as part of a personal vendetta against the mayor. Later, Doctor Otto Octavius becomes the main antagonist and also shares a long-standing antagonistic relationship with Osborn. Interestingly, the after-credits ending of Marvel's Spider-Man hints at a possible future involvement of Osborn as the Green Goblin.
How Marvel's Spider-Man 2 May Set Up the Green Goblin’s Arrival
The after-credits conclusion of the first game and Spider-Man: Miles Morales hinted at an unconventional candidate for the antagonist in the upcoming installment. Currently, it seems likely that Harry Osborn will become Venom in Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Although Insomniac Games has not confirmed this, the trailers strongly imply it, potentially leading to Norman Osborn's transformation.
So far, the primary antagonists in the Marvel's Spider-Man games have had sympathetic qualities. Despite their questionable methods, their underlying motivation has been to dismantle highly unethical corporations run by truly corrupt individuals. While Norman Osborn is not portrayed as a virtuous character in the games, it is evident that he genuinely cares for his son.
There is a possibility that if Harry Osborn turns into Venom, he may not survive the entire game. Whether he meets his demise through a heroic sacrifice, his existing illness, or through a battle with Miles, Peter, or Kraven the Hunter, his survival until the end credits is uncertain. Regardless, it is probable that Norman Osborn will hold Spider-Man responsible for Harry's death or any harm he faces during the game. This could potentially push Norman to adopt the Green Goblin persona. This allows Marvel's Spider-Man to introduce Green Goblin gradually and give him a relatable motivation.
Ultimately, it is impossible to say with certainty what the next Spider-Man game will bring. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 hints at a few possible paths for Venom, but Insomniac Games may use advertising to mislead fans. The true direction of the game will likely be revealed only after its release. If things transpire as they appear, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 could potentially utilize Harry Osborn's Venom to lay the groundwork for the eventual introduction of Green Goblin in Marvel's Spider-Man 3.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 launches on October 20, exclusively for PlayStation 5.