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Summary
Spider-Man 4should feel like a fresh start for the Marvel Cinematic Universe in more ways than one. Tom Holland’s return as Peter Parker could go either way. It could become one of superhero cinema’s most evolved arcs, or end up as an example of wasted potential in character development.
The reasonSpider-Man 4’sPeter Parker needs to be drastically different lies in theending ofNo Way Home. The 2022 film’s conclusion hit a reset button on the MCU’s version of the web-slinger and wrapped up theHometrilogy. MCU Peter made the ultimate sacrifice by choosing to be erased from public memory, including his most loved ones like MJ and Ned. This opened up a storyline with the potential for Peter to learn, grow, and benefit from this massive transition in the very next movie.
A New-Look Peter Parker InSpider-Man 4
Peter’s Life AfterNo Way Home’sEvents
Regardless of whether it takes thestreet-level or multiversal route,Spider-Man 4needs to focus on how mature and evolved Peter Parker has become. This essentially forms the film’s crux, and it should reflect in the character’s writing as well as Tom Holland’s performance. The reason for this is pretty simple: this Spider-Man is at the ultimate crossroads of his life. His previous MCU appearances have created a bittersweet coming-of-age story, which is now hanging on a serious make-or-break note.
Peter Parker Has Lost Everyone
TheMCU’s Peter Parkerhas truly been through the wringer and survived. He’s lost almost all of his parental figures, especially Tony Stark and Aunt May. As if the physical losses weren’t enough, Peter has also lost his living companions, in a sense, by being erased from their memories. His difficult choice to leave them behind at the end ofNo Way Homewas his final act of love by letting them go. However, on a practical level, this is unlikely to remain permanent, given how importantZendaya’s roleis to these Spidey movies.
Makers Hint At Different Peter Parker
More Spidey, Less Peter InSpider-Man 4
There’s been a lot of debate over whetherSpider-Man 4will be a more grounded story, or if it will submit to Marvel’s multiverse demands. So far, the signs have been positive, suggesting that the film’s primary focus will be on Peter Parker’s character evolution. This was confirmed bySpider-Manproducer Amy Pascal inan interview withDeadline:
Well, we have to deal with the fact that he decided he was going to give up being Peter Parker, and he was going to focus on being Spider-Man because being Peter Parker was too hard. So that’s what the movie’s about… There’s room to grow.
Potential For Crossovers
As long asSpider-Man 4sticks to this emotional core, any crossover possibilities will not overshadow it. It could work even if characters from theSony Spider-Man universe, like Venom, make their way into the MCU. The film could also turn Spider-Man into the leader of the Avengers in the upcomingDoomsdayandSecret Warsmovies, and it will still retain its heart as Peter Parker’s character study.
HowSpider-Man 4Will Fit Into The MCU
Connection ToDoomsdayAndSecret Wars
It’s inevitable that Tom Holland’s Spider-Man will continue to play a key role in the MCU and influence all its future sagas. This is evident fromSpider-Man 4’s confirmed release date on Jul 27, 2025, which is just two months afterAvengers: Doomsday, releasing on June 19, 2025. It repeats the release pattern ofSpider-Man: Far From Home, which came out just two months afterAvengers: Endgame.Far From Homeshowed Peter trying to make his way in a world without Tony Stark and getting a hang of his responsibilities.
Peter’s Growth Is For The MCU’s Long Run
Similarly,Spider-Man 4will also be able to incorporate the changes he goes through in potential prior appearances in otherAvengersfilms. But it’s important to remember thatFar From Homewas released afterInfinity WarandEndgame. On the other hand,Spider-Man 4is sandwiched betweenDoomsdayandSecret Wars. This means that after a possible appearance inDoomsday, the character growth that Peter Parker undergoes inSpider-Man 4will carry over directly to the main event inSecret Wars.
Great Timing & Leadership ForSpider-Man 4
Spider-Man 4’s director Destin Daniel Crettonproved his Marvel prowess inShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He is also skilled at making emotionally charged dramas, likeShort Term 12andThe Glass Castle. This makes him a great fit to take Peter Parker’s story forward. Moreover, there’s ample time for pre-production, given thatSpider-Man 4is set to start shooting only next year. This is around the same time that Tom Holland and Zendaya will be working onChristopher Nolan’s next movie.
What ShouldSpider-Man 4Do Differently?
Grief, Sacrifice & More Themes
So, what exactly shouldSpider-Man 4do differently? We’ve already seen Peter fighting grief after Stark’s death. His newfound maturity should now come from moving past his self-pity and prioritizing the greater good. It’s almost a rite of passage for every great Avenger to lose their closest people. This loss is what makes them stronger than ever, and it’s only right that it should apply to Spider-Man as well.
Changes In Tom Holland’s Performance
The most obvious change needs to be seen inTom Holland’s portrayal of Peter Parker. Compared toTobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’sversions, Holland’s Spidey has often been perceived as a bit too childish, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, his awkward, bumbling nature is part of his charm and appeal.
However, it’s time for Holland to adopt a different approach to his demeanor. This Peter Parker needs to start looking and acting more confident and selfless while retaining an innate sense of sadness. Just as Peter moves from high school to college in this storyline, his personality needs to transition from teenager to adult inSpider-Man 4. Simply put, it should almost feel as if MCU Peter was recast, while watching the same actor play him.
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is one of the biggest names in entertainment today. The superhero first appeared in the Marvel comic Amazing Fantasy #15 before becoming a leading figure in the Marvel comic-book universe.Spider-Man has also featured in numerous films and a plethora of video games, most notably Insomniac Games' Spider-Man (2018) and Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
