Spider-Man has graced the movie screens over the past decade with 5 (fairly mixed) movies and 2 different actors taking on the role. Now with his critical involvement in the upcoming Captain America: Civil War movie constantly being hinted at and another new actor swinging into the role, we have to question that maybe it’s the character of Peter Parker, not the producers to blame for the drop in popularity and creativity. Let’s face it; with 2 origin movies and that immortal line from everyone’s favourite uncle (insert quote here), the story behind Peter’s rise to being a superhero is as well-known as a certain caped crusader, and I think it is time for a new angle. I mean it’s not like these producers are short on source material. What’s to stop them from opening up the universes and bringing in a different version of our friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man? None, and here are a few Wall-Crawlers you may (or may not) have heard of that I believe would make a great summer blockbuster…
6. Superior Spider-Man
I’m starting off the list with a fairly controversial choice, but I could easily see a darker spin on our favourite wall crawler. The Superior Spider-Man story arc began after the mind of Doctor Otto Octavius is switched with Peter’s, leaving Otto as the one with the powers and all the responsibility. Whilst Otto attempts to keep up the appearance and reputation of the Spider-Man name, the underlying theme of revenge is ever present as he destroys Peter’s life and personally proves that he can be a better superhero than the original could ever be, making him, in turn, superior (see what they did there?). This is the what-if scenario of power corruption that has a lot of potential since they previously tried it in Spider-Man 3 with a well-known alien symbiote, and the result of that led to guy-liner and dancing. You can do better than that, guys.
5. Spider-Ham
Now I know what you’re thinking; are you serious? That’s just a joke character and a rather bad pun isn’t it? Well yes and no. He exists, had his own comic run, and was even a leading character in the Spider-Verse story line, so yeah kind of a big deal. An anthropomorphic version of Spider-Man could easily be a hit for the kid audiences and the many animators under the Disney brand could easily help to bring it to life (not too many songs included, I hope). The knowledge and experience is available, and even the humour writes itself; practically everything is a pun, I mean his name is actually Peter Porker (I’m slowly face-palming right now).
4. Spider-Gwen
Or maybe in order to regain consumer trust, we require a woman’s touch. Well, a fairly recent addition introduced in the Spider-Verse story-line that has taken the fan base by storm is Spider-Gwen. Yes Spider-Gwen. The premise is simple; what if the radioactive spider bit Gwen instead of Peter? And with that you pretty much have her back story, she is still the character we readers and viewers have come to know and love. Well that, and she is the drummer of a rock band called the Mary Janes. And her costume design is one of the coolest out there (discuss with discretion in the comments below). Clearly trying to appeal to the teen audience, it could be translated fairly well into the cinematic universe. I mean, certain other teen movies don’t exactly set the bar that high (cough… Twilight …).
3. Miles Morales (Ultimate Spider-Man)
Miles Morales was a popular contender on the rumour mill to make his way to the big screen and it’s clear to see why. He offers a similar origins to Peter’s, but offers a fresh new perspective of growing up and understanding of not what you need to do, but what you have to do. (Spoiler Alert!) After the death of the original Spider-Man, Miles puts aside his fears to protect those around him and be the hero that New York deserves. I mean, it’s not like there are many heroes residing in the city to begin with. Anyway, back on topic, it offers a chance to develop a character with a new background, a few upgrades in the abilities department (the ability to camouflage and a stinger touch like a Vulcan nerve pinch is too cool to pass up), and an uncle that is far from the wisdom of Uncle Ben (try master thief and manipulator), his story may seem all too familiar but is unique enough to draw us into his world (Earth 1610 to be precise).
2. Marvel Zombies Spider-Man
Now this choice is a mix of personal opinion but also cashing in with the latest trends. The zombie genre has garnered a huge cult following in recent years, so the interest is high. The comic concerning this Spider-Thing was concocted with the help of Robert Kirkman, the man responsible for The Walking Dead comics and TV show, so you know he has the story to back up the characters. Another zombie virus ravages through a universe of our favourite superheroes and villains, but don’t expect them shuffling down the streets of New York. These zombies are fully aware of their change and their powers are actively used to quell their hunger for flesh and your brains. With the impending release of the Deadpool movie along with the past example of the Kick-Ass movies, we are more than ready to see an over-the-top, violent and gory Superhero adventure.
1. Spider-Man 2099
Now let’s take a trip into the distant future with Miguel O’Hara, better known as Spider-Man 2099. The commercial success of Guardians of the Galaxy helped to prove that a lesser known character and a sci-fi setting in a Marvel movie does and can draw in the crowds. And this guy’s got the setting and the toys to pull it off. In a world (imagine the next part in a deep voice) where companies rule the cities and corrupt the inhabitants below, which sounds more relevant today than I thought it would, one man (back to the voice) stands against them. When an experiment to replicate Spider-Man’s powers goes horribly wrong (where have I heard that before?), it leaves Miguel O’Hara with heightened senses and abilities, ready to tackle the dark forces controlling the city. I made that sound darker than it needs to be. But hey, it can work. We can easily surpass the time difference with a well-placed Infinity Gem…
These are just a few examples within the multiverses of Marvel that can easily be worked into the cinematic universe, with a hint of clever writing and planning. With the recent fan support to put Deadpool into his own 4th wall breaking, violent, movie debut, what is stopping us from putting our favourite heroes up there with the movie line up? Sorry, Peter, but whilst you may have great power, those movie producers lack the responsibility to do you justice.
Do you think it’s time for Peter to hang up his web shooters? What other versions of your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man would you like to see in their own movie? Sound off in the comments or send us your thoughts on Twitter!