I don’t know about you all, but I’m still shocked at the news that Sony and Marvel are finally getting along and Spider-Man will officially join the Marvel movies. The finer details of the deal are still shrouded in mystery with some sites reporting that Sony let Marvel have the character for free, some saying Andrew Garfield is out for good and Marvel will recast, and we still don’t know exactly how much control Sony will have going forward. But in the end, this is pretty awesome.
But exactly how awesome is this move? After thinking about it for a bit (taking time in between to remind myself that this is real), I’ve come up with five reasons why Spider-Man joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe is an Amazing, Astonishing, Spectacular, Ultimate, and Superior idea.
Marvel Probably Knows What to do With Spider-Man
I may be one of the few Spider-Fans who actually enjoyed The Amazing Spider-Man 2, but even I’ll admit it was a bit messy. Clouded with all sorts of open threads and ideas, it really reeked of Sony’s desperation to turn a singular property into a massive set of films like Marvel has. And even after the film, Sony’s plans were completely up in the air. Rumors of an Aunt May origin story, an all female Spider character team up (which is something I hope still happens regardless) with the best title (Glass Ceiling), and all sorts of complete shots in the dark. But compare that to Marvel’s extensive “Phase” plans, Marvel obviously knows what it *wants* to do.
Given that they’ve bumped their own schedule to work his adventures into the universe, there’s a good chance that there’s a plan in place. But Marvel’s not exactly the end all, be all either. There’s no guarantee that their plan to work Spider-Man into a few films will work either, but at least it’s more concrete than say an all villain team up movie featuring Paul Giamatti. But it’s still up to Sony in the end.
Miles Morales, Miles Morales, Miles Morales
If you’re scrounging through the internet for more on this deal, then there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Miles Morales. Morales is the Spider-Man in the Ultimate Spider-Man line of comics, an alternate comic universe featuring more streamlined origins for newer readers which Marvel is planning to integrate into the mainline series’ later this year with their Secret Wars event. Why is he great? Taking over for Peter Parker after his death, Miles is a half Black/Latino youth who gains powers in basically the same way Peter does. But he’s a lot more conflicted about it, and his guilt/anxiety makes for some great reads.
If they absolutely need a new Spider-Man, this could be the hugest step forward for everyone. First of all, Spider-Man would be in an Avengers film (which is what most kids and half of Google’s photoshops have dreamed up anyway) and secondly, it’d be nice for more kids to have someone onscreen to relate to. We already have Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Anthony Mackie, and Chadwick Boseman (who’s going to be the film’s Black Panther), but what harm could come from even more diversity?
We Won’t Get The Same Origin Story
If we absolutely need to get another origin story (let’s face it, it’s gonna happen), if it’s a brand new character then we won’t get the same one. Besides there are quite a few interesting ways Sony/Marvel can go about this. They could either establish a new origin in a solo movie, set Spider-Man up as an already existing thing in whatever cameo role he gets in the Marvel films (so Sony has time to break down what they want to keep from The Amazing Spider-Man films rather than get rid of it all), or just hilariously keep Amazing Spider-Man stuff anyway.
At least we’ll be introduced to a new Spider-Man in a new way. But I hope they go The Hulk route and just put the entire origin in the opening credits. Everyone already knows how Peter Parker (or whoever) became Spider-Man, but we need to know why we should care about Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man. New origin, new focus, same Uncle Ben death probably (but hopefully not). Or keep his identity a secret until the solo film or something.
People Will Stop Asking For It
I’ve never been fond of the comment “Give Spidey to Marvel” when talking about The Amazing Spider-Man, so I’m glad it’ll be a thing of the past. But in all seriousness, it’ll mean far less confusion for the general audience. Which most likely isn’t helped by the Marvel credit tag on Sony’s films, most people probably wonder why Spider-Man hasn’t shown up in say, Iron Man 3 or something. At least now, it’ll be easier to explain to folks. I’ll admit this isn’t best reason to root for Spidey in the Marvel Universe, but hey I’ll take any little step forward I can get at this point.
Marvel and Sony’s Characters Mixing Will Make the Universe Better Overall
With as big and convoluted Marvel’s films are going to become, and with as many superhero films we’re getting, the less confusion the better. With a bigger universe where anyone could show up in anything (Maybe Venom fights The Hulk or something), the smaller heroes will shine. I’m super excited for Spider-Man characters like The Kingpin, who could potentially make trouble in the Netflix series (like Daredevil) and then seamlessly pop up in the main Spider-Man films.
Sony also won’t have to strain themselves to create a Spider-Man universe from one character. With license to use Marvel’s smaller characters (I’m not sure if the bigwigs will come to play every time), there’s room to breathe and it’ll be easier to digest. But I’m hoping that’s part of the plan. Don’t forget the Netflix series’ are a viable option, Sony!
At the end of the day, I’m just a guy yelling into the air. I’m glad Sony and Marvel both like money, and they’ll be getting more from me pretty soon. As someone who’s interest in Marvel’s films has waned, this is the most excited I’ve been in a long time. What about you all, Flixist community? Yay or nay?
