Unveiling the Web-Slinger: Insight into Mr Negative Actor's Highlights, DC Inspirations, and Beyond

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has finally been released after a long wait, and it's receiving widespread acclaim as an impressive game. Building upon its already fantastic predecessors, the game improves and expands upon the formula in nearly every aspect. Fans of the Wall-Crawler will undoubtedly be thrilled with this game, making it yet another outstanding title from Insomniac that will be remembered in history. One of the standout features of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is its diverse lineup of villains, where returning characters like Stephen Oyoung's Mr. Negative shine with some of the most memorable moments in the sequel.

Recently, our website had the opportunity to interview the actor behind Spider-Man 2's Mr. Negative, Stephen Oyoung, who shed light on the process of reprising this beloved character for the sequel. During the conversation, Oyoung shared his favorite moments from the first Spider-Man game, teased an exciting scene he enjoyed performing in the sequel, and discussed how his previous role as Red Hood in Gotham Knights influenced his portrayal of Mr. Negative in this second installment. Please note that this interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Q: In 2018's Spider-Man, do you have a favorite moment that you enjoyed performing?

Oyoung: My favorite moment was when Mr. Negative confronts Norman Osborn and Spider-Man in the final scene. It was the culmination of all the buildup and conflict in Mr. Negative's story arc. This scene felt fitting not just for the game, but also for the project as a whole, since we had spent a few years working on it. I had the opportunity to wield a flaming sword, jump through a window, scream like a maniac, and transform into a massive negative energy demon. It was an incredibly enjoyable experience!

Q. Were there any memorable moments during the mocap process for Spider-Man 2 that you can share without spoiling anything?

Oyoung: Definitely! There is one particular moment that I believe will be a fan favorite, especially when it comes to Mr. Negative. Unfortunately, I can't reveal any details just yet. We'll have to wait and see if my intuition is right! However, I will say that it was an incredible experience reuniting with the Insomniac family. It was a pleasant surprise to be involved with Mr. Negative again, considering I thought his story was concluded in the first game.

Q. What’s it like having your likeness lent to a Spider-Man character?

Oyoung: I've frequently been labeled as Mr. Negative lately! Considering that Spider-Man is one of the most successful franchises globally, I feel incredibly thankful that Bryan Intihar and Jacinda Chew decided to use my likeness and eventually acknowledge me for it. This game and franchise are widely recognized by everyone. Any recognition I've received definitely stems from this project.

Q. It has been quite some time since Marvel's Spider-Man was released, so what has been your preferred role during this period?

Oyoung considers Jason Todd/Red Hood one of his beloved characters among all the roles he has played. Have you gained any valuable insights or experiences from portraying this character that have influenced or transferred to your performance in Marvel's Spider-Man 2?

Oyoung: Without giving away too much, I believe a hint of Jason's physicality remained present. Due to his larger physique, he had a slightly heavier movement when not engaged in combat. One could say it was accompanied by a touch of world weariness. This aspect perfectly complemented the passage of time in the game world of Spider-Man. Mr. Negative, on the other hand, has experienced his fair share of challenges. But don't just take my word for it, see if you can notice the difference!

Q: Conversely, have any elements of your portrayal of Martin Li influenced your other roles thereafter?

Oyoung: Surprisingly, it is the tenderness displayed by Insomniac in Martin Li's representation of Mr. Negative that still resonates. Perhaps it's my increasing sentimentality with passing years. This gentleness conceals a profound amount of suffering, something that I believe we all experience. Acknowledging this aspect in other characters has been truly enlightening.

Oyoung: There are certainly parallels between the two characters. Both have experienced the loss of their parents due to tragic circumstances and have become targets of a criminal mastermind. They have then acquired extraordinary abilities or honed their skills, using them to intimidate both criminals and innocent individuals, driven by their pursuit of justice or revenge. The conflict between good and evil is a shared internal struggle for both of them.

Q: You have worked on numerous movies, TV shows, and video games. What sets apart Movies & TV from video games?

Oyoung: The main distinction lies in the freedom of movement offered by video games. With fewer intricate props and sets, the entire experience depends on the imagination, and I find that process very enjoyable. The smaller crews create an intimate atmosphere, where downtime is minimal since there is no waiting for camera or lighting setups. Moreover, the performances in video games are captured in the moment, without any cutaways or reverse shots. Conversations feel incredibly authentic, resembling real-life interactions. To some extent, at least.

Q. What's one thing from live-action filming that you'd like to see implemented in the video game industry, and vice versa?

Oyoung: I'm fascinated by the fusion of live action and video game technology employed by Lucasfilm in their volume technology. I anticipate witnessing its further integration in live productions. When it comes to the video game industry, my hidden desire is to have sensorless tracking suits, which would be truly astonishing. Perhaps, in the future, this dream will become a reality!

Q. Do you have any additional thoughts to share?

Oyoung expresses gratitude and flattery towards the comparison of Mr. Negative's new appearance to popular figures like Keanu Reeves, Adam Driver, Justin Long, and Markiplier. Oyoung sincerely appreciates being a part of Insomniac's vision and acknowledges the initial anonymity of Mr. Negative in the first game's trailers, which has now evolved into mainstream recognition after a few years. This development is tremendously thrilling.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is currently accessible on PS5.