Unveiling the Spectacular Evolution: Why Spider-Man 4 Will Outshine Sam Raimi's Trilogy

Highlights

Spider-Man 4 should focus on a more isolated story, allowing the character to thrive without constant references to the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Spider-Man 4 should focus on personal and smaller-scale challenges for the hero, taking inspiration from Peter Parker's relatable struggles in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy. Introducing a captivating antagonist with a relatable motivation, similar to the villains in Raimi's films, would enhance the story, making it more fascinating and immersive.

Released in late 2021, Spider-Man: No Way Home brought together three generations of the beloved superhero on the big screen. It felt like both a conclusion to Spider-Man's storytelling journey of over 20 years and a fresh start for Tom Holland's portrayal of the character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film sets the stage for exciting future adventures for the hero.

Sony has confirmed that Spider-Man 4 is currently in active development. While specific details about the plot are currently limited, especially due to ongoing strikes in Hollywood, it appears that the film will aim for a more faithful adaptation of the character from the original comic books. In the initial phase of Spider-Man's presence in the MCU, there were noticeable differences from the versions portrayed by Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. However, the hero's portrayal now aligns more closely with the classic iteration. Looking ahead, Spider-Man 4 is expected to draw more inspiration from the comic book source material and even pay homage to Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy.

Spider-Man works great in a standalone story

Make the stakes small and personal

One of the reasons why the MCU is so popular is its ability to introduce lesser-known heroes into their universe and capture audience interest. However, this may not be necessary for iconic characters like Spider-Man. As the most beloved superhero of all time, Spider-Man doesn't require constant references to the broader universe to engage audiences. This approach worked in Spider-Man: Homecoming, as it marked the character's first solo film in the MCU, clarifying his place in the world. Moving forward, Spider-Man would benefit from more self-contained stories. In the comics, Spider-Man has a rich world of his own, filled with numerous villains and side characters that bring the city to life. This allows for stories to be set within Spider-Man's world, which is already expansive enough and doesn't require constant connections to the MCU.

The final battles in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy were always grandiose, with the city consistently facing peril from supervillains. However, at the core of the story, the focus remained on the person beneath the Spider-Man mask: Peter Parker. His financial difficulties, the challenges of juggling a dual life as a hero and a full-time college student (while working), and ensuring that he made time for his loved ones were all ongoing battles for Peter Parker throughout the three films. These themes resonated with the audience, creating a profound emotional foundation for the trilogy.

It’s imperative for Spider-Man 4 to tap into and learn from the intimate and more individualized approach. Spider-Man's popularity as a hero is largely attributed to his relatability, a concept that the Spiderverse films also explored. However, these themes have been somewhat overshadowed in the MCU, where Tom Holland's portrayal of the character has been preoccupied with battles against extraterrestrial beings and multiverse adversaries. Although witnessing Spider-Man team up with other Marvel heroes to combat foes like Thanos was exhilarating and invigorating for audiences, there is now a sense that it is the opportune moment to refocus on the smaller, more personal narratives that define the character. This is precisely what Sam Raimi accomplished in his Spider-Man trilogy, and the next standalone installment in the MCU presents the ideal occasion to revisit that approach.

Create a compelling villain with a relatable motivation

Not only did the hero establish relatability in Raimi's films, but the villains that Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man encountered also possessed understandable motivations for their descent into evil. Take, for instance, the Green Goblin, whose scientific curiosity and desperate need to maintain control of his company drove him. Ultimately, he succumbed to the effects of a toxic gas, transforming into a manic and dangerous adversary.

Doc Ock experienced a similar occurrence, as his mind fell under the control of the very tentacles he had created. Among the villains, Sandman stands out as the most relatable, driven by the desire to save his ailing daughter. The MCU has touched upon these themes to some extent, such as with Michael Keaton's Vulture, who capitalized on the chaos in New York City caused by the first Avengers film to support his family. However, this exploration was not as captivating as it was in the Raimi films. Moving forward, it would be ideal for Spider-Man 4 to feature a more captivating and distinctive villain, preferably one that has not yet been portrayed in a live-action adaptation.