Exciting news everybody. In the past week, we have gained even more information about the upcoming Spider-Man (2017), maybe. It has been reported that Sony has purchased the rights to the following domain names:
SpiderManHomecomingTheMovie.com
SpiderManComingOfAgeMovie.com
SpiderManGreatnessAwaitsMovie.com
SpiderManSuspendedMovie.com
While some people believe these may be possible titles for the upcoming film, others are more skeptical. Sony also has an animated Spider-Man film in the works so these titles have just as much a chance being for that film as well. And, of course, with the MCU always trying to be as secretive as possible with their upcoming films, some of these titles could be red herrings.
While all of this information is pretty superficial at this point, the title, SpiderManHomecomingTheMovie.com, sparks a little bit more interest than the others. The reason being, “Homecoming” is a watershed Spider-Man comic released May 1st, 1984 featuring some big changes in the Spider-Man character. This comic would be an excellent jumping off point for the upcoming Spider-Man film and here are six reasons why Sony/Marvel should go with it as the source material.
6. Possibility of a Plethora of Cameos
The Amazing Spider-Man Homecoming takes place after Secret Wars, the famed Marvel limited series wherein a cosmic entity called The Beyonder brings together the best heroes and villains of Earth together to duke it out against one another to see whether good or evil would prevail. Post-Secret War, the heroes return to Earth for a big, spectacular homecoming.
While the next Spider-Man film will not be post-Secret Wars, it will be post-Civil War. If the MCU follows suit, Spider-Man will be coming home to New York City with a few familiar super faces in tow. This is a definite.
5. Black Cat.
Felicia Hardy AKA Black Cat plays a large role in Homecoming. She was in a romantic relationship with Spider-Man prior to Secret Wars, but things become complicated when a certain girl named Mary-Jane Watson gets involved.
Does this mean she will be in the next Spider-Man movie? Probably not in the role she had in that comic series, but there is hope for all you salivating fanboys. With the new Spider-Man being of younger, high school age, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to have Felicia Hardy be an older student in school, who just happens to also rob houses at night. And maybe Mary-Jane Watson and Felicia Hardy will fight for Peter’s affection. Be still my heart.
4. The Black Suit.
While off fighting in Secret Wars, Spider-Man finds a black version of his suit, unaware that the suit is an alien symbiote. It gives him extra strength and speed, but influences his behavior negatively. This is a story we already know fairly well as it was the basis for the terrible Spider-Man 3. Many would shy away from something that went so poorly the first time around, but I say go for it.
Say what you will, I’ve always been a fan of the black Spider-Man suit. It looks cool, and I enjoy the duality of Spider-Man’s personality that is explored when he puts it on. That said, I would hope that the black suit would only be hinted at or set-up for future installments of the Spider-Man series. At the moment, it may be a bit heavy for our young Spider-Man to take on so early in his (film) career. Especially since it leads too…
3. Venom!
As the old adage goes: where there is symbiote, there is Venom. The largest contribution Homecoming brought to the Spider-Man universe was sparking the flame that led to the creation of Venom. The symbiote leaves Spider-Man’s suit and infects journalist Eddie Brock, turning him into Venom. Once again, this is a story we already know, but it is a story that I feel deserves to be told right.
When Venom appeared in Spider-Man 3, an alien creature seemed far-fetched, even by that film trilogy’s standards, but in the current MCU, we are aware that aliens exist far and wide. I feel confident that this time around, teasing Venom would excite fans rather than put them off.
Sony seems pretty confident that Venom could work this time around; only last month, they restarted pre-production on a standalone Venom film.
2. Smaller Plot
This may not seem like a positive for choosing Homecoming as the source material, but with regards to getting to know our new Spider-Man, it may just be the perfect decision.
Throughout much of Homecoming, Spider-Man spends much of his time getting used to his new black Spider-Suit, meeting with old allies, and stopping small crimes. Homecoming is a respite from the giant action that was Secret Wars, and set-up for the Venom story line that would follow afterwards.
Though the film probably will not be bereft of action, MCU Mastermind, Kevin Feige, has said that the new Spider-Man film will have a younger, “John Hughes” film vibe. I admit, I remain somewhat sceptical about this approach (and feel it is just a reaction to the overblown action of The Amazing Spider-Man 2), but I have come to trust Feige, and look forward to see what a John Hughes-superhero film would be.
1. Kingpin (and beyond)
Homecoming, aside from setting up Venom, also sets the story for Spider-Man to take on Kingpin in subsequent issues. While this on its own is nothing to write home about, the implications are very exciting.
Like many of you, I was entranced by Vincent D’Onofrio‘s performance of Kingpin in Season One Netflix’s Daredevil (and that little bit in Season Two). Merely the thought of being able to see D’Onofrio take on the role of Kingpin once again, this time on the big screen, is exhilarating.
And where Kingpin is, Daredevil is not too far behind. Spider-Man and Daredevil are in the same city, for Pete’s sake. As well as Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist. I know there are 8.4 million people in New York City, but if the MCU is smart, they are bound to bump into each other some time.
EDIT: It appears that the next film will indeed be titled Spider-Man: Homecoming!
What do you want to see in the new Spider-Man? Are you ready for the MCTU to merge with the MCU? Sound off in the comments or send us your thoughts on Twitter!