Unveiling the Mysteries of Lizard's Evolution in Marvel's Spider-Man 2

In Marvel's Spider-Man, the narrative cleverly distinguished established villains from newly-introduced ones, with the Halloween party at Empire State University serving as a concise showcase for a handful of Spider-Man's infamous foes. This strategy also sets up potential for future villain additions, as demonstrated by the upcoming appearance of the Lizard as at least a temporary adversary in Marvel's Spider-Man 2. It appears that the Lizard will not be a dedicated villain, but rather a tragic consequence of Kraven's Great Hunt, and his transformation into a monstrous creature may not have been his choice. With Doctor Curtis Connors' public status currently unknown, it is expected that his transformation into the Lizard will be a result of circumstance rather than a deliberate decision. As a result, it raises two important questions regarding the evolution of the Lizard's mutation.

How Sentient or in Control is Doctor Curtis Connors While Transformed?

It remains uncertain whether Connors retains his sentience as the Lizard, as Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales offer limited insight on the matter. While he has previously taken on the form of a humanoid reptile wearing his own attire and lab coat, this was only during a Halloween campus party, where his outfit was unfortunately mistaken for a costume choice by ESU students with poor taste.

Notably absent from the in-universe narrative until a post-credits scene in Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Connors is first depicted as an ordinary scientist assisting Norman Osborn in the search for a cure for Harry. Nonetheless, fans remain uncertain as to whether Connors is fully in control while embodying the Lizard.

It appears that the transformation of the character into a colossal creature in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 will not result in sentience. The transformation seems to be purely animalistic. Interestingly, the Lizard immediately heads towards the Harlem Seafood Market and consumes a large amount of fish before undergoing molting. This could suggest that Connors is consuming fish consciously instead of humans, or that his transformation only craves fish.

Why is Doctor Curtis Connors Only Now Mutating into a Giant Lizard?

Traditionally, Connors’ transformation into the Lizard is a conscious decision on his part, but this new evolution may have been triggered by an overdose of his medication. However, if stress is the cause of the mutation, it suggests that he has never faced anything as intense as being hunted by Kraven.

Based on Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s gameplay trailer, it appears that Connors left his home in Queens abruptly, resulting in a noticeable hole in the basement entrance. However, despite the hole being small, both Peter and Miles are surprised by the Lizard’s sudden mutation, indicating that this is the first time he has transformed to this extent and at such a rapid pace. It is possible that Connors may have taken a higher dose of his serum or was given one in an attempt to turn him into a monstrous creature. Additionally, Kraven’s datapad identifies the Lizard as a potential target for the Great Hunt, suggesting that Connors may become the Lizard before Kraven arrives in New York City.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 launches this fall, exclusively for PlayStation 5.