Summary
Spider-Man hasn’t been seen in a Marvel movie since 2021’sSpider-Man: No Way Homeswung its way into the hearts of theMarvel Cinematic Universe. The film wowed audiences by bringing in lots of cameos via the multiverse. Still, it also left Tom Holland’s popular character in an interesting position after Doctor Strange’s spell, which meant he was erased from everyone’s memory.
It has left Spider-Man in an interesting position moving forward within the MCU as Peter Parker is no longer known by those who were aware of his identity. This has given Marvel some unique storytelling opportunities for the character, but the rumored path they are taking could end up being confusing.
What Does Marvel Have Planned For Spider-Man Moving Forward?
Spider-Man 4is set to swing its way into cinemas on July 2026 to continue that particular franchise, although Marvel is reportedly having problems with the script at this stage. However, MCU fans will see the iconic webslinger before that, as he’s set tobe part ofAvengers: Doomsdayin 2025. This will be the next time he appears on the big screen. Therefore, audiences expect him to continue the storyline that took place inSpider-Man: No Way Home,as it is rather significant when it comes to his character, but that’s not the case.
According to industry insider Alex Perez during aCosmic CircusQ&A,Avengers: Doomsdaywill notexplore what happened with Peter Parkermuch at all. He is set to be so consumed by his role as Spider-Man that it will mask how he is truly feeling. That is going to lead to unresolved issues as he represses his emotions. While they’re expected to slip out from time to time in the blockbuster movie, everything won’t be addressed until his next solo film.
This Could Create A Bizarre Character Shift For Peter Parker
The news could be seen as disappointing to some people as the situation was such a significant change that people thought it would be addressed.WhileAvengersfilms don’t often have the timeto dedicate to every single character’s storyline outside of the film, with someone as important as Spider-Man, people would presume that he might be an exception. Anyone who saw his true identity will not remember who he is, plus he no longer has access to Stark technology, meaning he’s going to be a significantly weaker character.
He was seen making a new costume at the end ofSpider-Man: No Way Home, but that is something that will take him back to the basics. The idea of not addressing that and just pushing him as the friendly hero is an interesting choice that few expected Marvel to take. Peter Parkerwent to try and see MJand Ned at the end of that movie, too. Therefore, the idea that they were no longer friends was already weighing heavily on him. While it makes sense that he would feel the need to be the hero and save the day against whatever threat Doctor Doom is going to pose inAvengers: Doomsday, the idea he will sweep everything under the rug feels like a massive character shift.
Holland’s version of Spider-Manhas worn all of his emotions on his sleeve and has been an open book in that sense. It’s one of the reasons people are connected to the character; he’s an open book. Therefore, the idea that Marvel is going to change that and make him more of a closed book is disappointing because people want to see how he handles the situation immediately, not down the line in later films.
It Feels Like Spider-Man’s Storyline Is Being Swept To The Side
The focal point ofAvengers: Doomsdayis obviously going to be on the overall multiverse storyline andwhat Doctor Doom intends to doto the world. It’s obviously going to be a significant enough threat to force The Avengers to come together; therefore, that plot will be the driving factor. But much like in previousAvengersmovies, there’s always time for character development and driving certain storylines forward that can impact other movies. With Iron Man no longer around, Spider-Man will be one of the biggest characters in this movie, and it’s a shame that he’s not getting that level of attention.
The fact that Peter Parker isn’t expected to deal with the situation that took place at the end ofSpider-Man: No Way Homemakes it feel like his storyline development is being pushed aside simply to focus on everyone else. Meanwhile, Marvel still wants to be able to advertise Spider-Man as part of the movie, so he gets thrown in without addressing his own storylines but still bringing some of the fun opportunities from his fight scenes and the general positivity that he brings to the movies he’s in. There’s a risk that the decisions being made could negatively impact him in theMCUmoving forward.
