Spider-Man: No Way Home appears to have intricately crafted the groundwork for the villain in Spider-Man 4, if we delve into a significant multiverse theory within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Following the events of 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, which concluded the “Home Trilogy,” we saw Tom Holland’s Peter Parker embark on a tumultuous journey with variants of himself to confront adversaries scattered throughout the multiverse. This film laid the foundation for a quintessential narrative for the forthcoming Spider-Man 4 while also allowing Parker to further explore the vastness of the multiverse.
Marvel’s Kevin Feige confirmed the production of a new Spider-Man film shortly after No Way Home’s release. September 2024 saw Destin Daniel Cretton appointed as the director for Spider-Man 4, with filming likely set to commence in 2025 and Holland poised to reprise his iconic role. However, a debate has arisen over whether Spider-Man 4 will adopt a street-level narrative or dive deeper into multiversal phenomena. A fresh theory posits that the film could seamlessly intertwine both elements.
On the surface, No Way Home appeared to set up a straightforward path for future Spider-Man escapades, concluding with Doctor Strange’s spell that wiped the world’s memory of Parker, thereby sending multiversal beings back to their own realms and isolating Holland’s Spider-Man. It is plausible for Spider-Man 4 to catch up with the now-obscure hero as he grapples with local, low-stakes foes amidst the pulsating backdrop of New York.
Yet, No Way Home also hinted at a broader narrative scope for the young superhero. This expansive story might not have been wholly unveiled in the recent installment but rather references plots from Sony’s Marvel adaptations. For instance, 2022’s Morbius portrayed an instance where Doctor Strange’s spell inadvertently transported Michael Keaton’s Adrian Toomes into the Sony Spider-Man Universe. Similarly, anomalies arising from this spell were explored in the animated Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
The notion of Doctor Strange’s spell creating rifts in reality suggests that Spider-Man 4 could present both grounded street-level conflicts and a significant multiversal threat. One can envision a unique multiversal antagonist emerging, reminiscent of how Vulture was introduced into Sony’s universe and how the Prowler appeared in the animated Spider-Verse.
A theory proposed by Comicodigy suggests that while Peter Parker will remain grounded in Earth-616 for his Spider-Man 4 adventure, he may face a formidable adversary from a different dimension. As demonstrated with the emergence of the Vulture and the Prowler across alternate realities, a new villain could seamlessly integrate into the MCU’s primary narrative. With Doctor Strange’s spell somewhat undermined by unforeseen consequences, it opens up the imaginative possibility of further characters, including villains, slipping across the multiverse into Parker’s world.
Rehashing a plotline similar to No Way Home could yield fascinating results. Spider-Man 4’s narrative could retain touches of the beloved multiversal confrontations witnessed previously, yet present a unique character from the vast Marvel Comics universe. This would not only refresh the proceedings but also engross audiences with a new character who has yet to grace live-action.
This innovative direction would benefit Spider-Man 4 amidst conversations regarding its potential to explore street-level tales or dive back into the expansive narratives of the multiverse. While some fans are beginning to express fatigue over multiversal themes, Marvel remains committed to shaping its Multiverse Saga, indicating Spider-Man 4 will likely delve into such narratives while anchoring itself with a personal touch. Introducing a multiverse-born villain into a street-level storyline could yield a narrative that stays intimate and relatable, diverging from the grand spectacles of No Way Home.
Among the candidates for a multiversal villain who could pose a formidable challenge to Holland’s Spider-Man is Morlun, who was introduced in Marvel Comics in 2001. Morlun serves as a principal antagonist throughout various Spider-Man storylines, especially during the Spider-Verse event, pursuing Spider-People across different realities. This character, though never before depicted on the big screen, could become a formidable enemy in Spider-Man 4.
In this iteration of Spider-Man, there lies potential for a deeper exploration into various Marvel Comics’ villainous characters, possibly unveiling their complexities to audiences unaccustomed to such figures in live-action representations. By weaving a multiversal threat into Spider-Man 4, Marvel Studios can expand its Multiverse Saga while crafting an intimate narrative that resonates deeply with Peter Parker’s ongoing journey, charting his path beyond the legacies of Iron Man and his former allies.
