A significant moment in Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson’s respective characterizations occurs at the end of 2002’sSpider-Man, and it arguably should not be repeated by Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in his nextMCUfilm. There have been three modernlive-action iterations of Spider-Manwith a combined eight solo films thus far, but the first twoSpider-Manmovies by Sam Raimi arguably embody the source material the most. 2002’sSpider-Mandistills theSpider-Mancharacters and mythos to their most essential elements, providing viewers with the most accurate adaptation of Spider-Man’s most important story: his origin.
2002’sSpider-Manfaithfully adapts Peter Parker’sAmazing Fantasydebut, and by respecting what serves as the thesis of Spider-Man’s character, the film and its sequels and spinoff materials provide the best possible bedrock for Tobey Maguire’s iteration of Spider-Man. The movie also includes arguably the best adaptation of Spider-Man’s greatest villain – the Green Goblin – and wisely chose to characterize and position Kirsten Dunst’s Mary Jane Watson as the franchise’s co-lead alongside Peter Parker himself. Unfortunately, some viewers might take issue with the waySpider-Man 2continues Peter and Mary Jane’s respective characterizations, given how the first film ended.
Spider-Man 2002’s Ending Explained
Peter Parker’s Spider-Man origin is effectively complete roughly halfway through the 2002 film, with Peter having learned the tragic lesson that “with great power comes great responsibility” upon indirectly and inadvertently causing his Uncle’s death by not using his newfound powers responsibly. With Peter Parker having created and embraced the Spider-Man persona, the film then continues to develop his growing romance with Mary Jane and his deadly clashes with the Green Goblin, culminating in a final confrontation on the Queensboro Bridge that ends with Green Goblin’s death. At Norman Osborn’s funeral,Mary Jane reveals her romantic feelings for Peter Parker.
RaimiSpider-Manspinoff materials, such as the novel and video game adaptations, establish thatthe Raimi universe includes far more Marvel superheroes andSpider-Manvillainsthan what the films themselves show.
Despite his own love for Mary Jane, Peter lies to her, claiming that he only sees her as a friend. Peter made this heartbreaking decision, of course, because he believed that keeping Mary Jane at a certain distance would also protect her from his enemies, should another discover his secret identity. Given how close the Green Goblin came to killing Mary Jane and Peter’s continued mourning of Uncle Ben, the choice makes sense, yetSpider-Man 2would later show the realistic outcome of such a decision – which some viewers may have taken issue with.
Spider-Man 2002’s Ending Was Undone Quickly
While 2002’sSpider-Manperfectly portrays the most important elements of the Spider-Man characters and lore, 2004’sSpider-Man 2delves into both the naturalism and dramatic potential of them to an even deeper degree.Spider-Man 2thoughtfully explores the humanity of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson – and how their otherwise ordinary lives are impacted by both Peter’s outlandish heroic escapades and their respective choices from the first film. This, naturally, includes Peter’s deep regret over his lie to Mary Jane at Norman Osborn’s funeral and his subsequent pining for her.
Peter Parker’s double life as Spider-Man constantly worsens his relationships with his friends, family, and co-workers, and Mary Jane – who privately retains her feelings for Peter – rushes into an engagement with another man, trying to force herself to move on from him.Spider-Man 2is popularly regarded as one of the superhero genre’s best movies, butsome viewers might object to the opening scene of the film immediately undoing the finale of its predecessor. This is understandable, even though Peter regretting his decision is the most realistic outcome of the 2002 film.
Spider-Man 4 Has To Avoid Repeating Raimi’s Sequel Mistake
2021’sSpider-Man: No Way Homeputs Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in a comparable position to Maguire’s Spider-Man at the end of his first film. After Doctor Strange patched up a broken multiverse by removing everyone’s memory of Peter Parker inthe main MCU timeline, Peter visits MJ’s workplace – initially planning to reintroduce himself to her and rekindle their relationship. In a tragic twist, Peter sees MJ safe and happy – leading him to choose simply to leave as a stranger, believing that she would be better off without being entangled in his double life again.
This gives Tom Holland’s nextSpider-Manfilm an opportunity to not take the same route as the RaimiSpider-Mansequel.Spider-Man 2’sundoing of its predecessor’s ending – while perhaps unsatisfying for some – kept Peter and Mary Jane’s characterizations consistent by doing so.The next MCUSpider-Manfilm, on the other hand, can and perhaps should maintain the emotional impact ofNo Way Homeby not having Peter Parker and MJ rebuild their relationship. Moreover, with MJ likely attending college outside of New York City and her memories of Peter Parker gone, undoingNo Way Home’sending would be difficult to justify.
Spider-Man
Cast
Spider-Man is the first film in Sam Raimi’s trilogy starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker. Released in 2002, the film introduced superhero fans to a live-action Norman Osborn, played by Willem Dafoe, who is transformed into his villainous alter ego, Green Goblin, after being forced out of Oscorp Industries. At the same time, Peter Parker is grappling with his newfound abilities as the iconic wall-crawler.
Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2 continues Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, with Tobey Maguire returning as Peter Parker. Released in 2004, the film follows Peter’s struggle with balancing his personal life and superhero responsibilities, while confronting the formidable villain, Doc Ock, portrayed by Alfred Molina. Parker’s relationships with Mary Jane and Harry Osborn further complicate his journey.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the trials and tribulations of being a superhero. In Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) asks for help from Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) when his identity becomes a problem for the ones he loves. Unfortunately, when the spell goes wrong, Spider-Man will now have to face off with villains such as Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina) and Electro (Jamie Foxx) as Peter finally comes to terms that he can’t run from being Spider-Man. Supported by his close friends and help from an unexpected place (or multiverse), Spider-Man will go toe-to-toe with some of the most legendary foes in his storied history.
