Over the past week I cannot tell you how many Spider-Man articles I've read across the Internet about how or where or when Spidey should be introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There is a tremendous amount of repetition with many of those posts and, in my opinion, each one felt a bit flat. So I will talk to myself about the best course of action to introducing Spider-Man into the MCU.
Well, well, well... it's been a while since we've last spoke.
Yes, since November.
So what will we talk about today?
Spider-Man.
What about Spider-Man? I mean, he's already confirmed to be coming home and being a part of Phase 3 of the MCU.
I'd like to share my thoughts on how he should be introduced into the MCU.
I'm all ears.
Here's my take on how the Web Slinger should be intro'ed into the MCU and it starts with an Avengers: Age of Ultron post-credits scene. In this scene something along the lines of Spider-Man looking directly at a camera to break down the fourth wall to tell his origin story. Fans are quite familiar with the Spider-Man origin tale and this quick post-credits scene would alleviate Marvel Studios and Sony from having to tell it again.
A Spider-Man post-credits scene in Age of Ultron could bring theaters crumbling down to the ground.
For sure! So with Spider-Man established in a 30-60 second post-credits stinger, Marvel can then tease Spidey even more in a One-Shot short film included with the Blu Ray releases of Avengers: Age of Ultron, in fall 2015. Marvel previously had a One-Shot with Blu Ray releases of films but have since gone away from them. A Spider-Man One-Shot short film that is 10-15 minutes long would be an ideal way to develop Peter Parker and Spidey within the MCU before his first appearance in an MCU film.
I do miss those One-Shot short films.
Me too. Next up, would be his first appearance in a supporting role and that should happen at some point in Captain America: Civil War. You already have Cap and Iron Man in the movie and adding Spider-Man would only solidify major blockbuster status for the threequel. However, this appearance shouldn't be more than 10 minutes of total Spidey screen time. Anything more could feel too cramped within Civil War. Whether Spider-Man sides with Steve Rogers or he sides with Tony Stark will be debated online for the next year, if Marvel and Sony went this route. (A Spidey debate like this = tons of built-in hype before the film releases.)
If Spidey shows up in Civil War it could be one of the highest grossing films ever.
I think if he does show up then that is the projected plan for Civil War's box office performance.
So let me recap to make sure I understand. First Spider-Man appears in a post-credits scene in Avengers: Age of Ultron, then he has a One-Shot with the Blu Ray release of Age of Ultron, next is his debut in Captain America: Civil War and finally followed by his own MCU-based solo movie. Right?
Exactly!
In the official announcement press release it stated how Spider-Man would appear in an upcoming MCU film before his own solo movie. This takes that concept and adds to it because Marvel and Disney wanted Spider-Man so badly I think they'll use him as much as they can within the parameters of the new "leasing deal" with Sony.
Sounds like a promising theory. Do you have any thoughts about the reports stating Marvel and Sony are looking to cast a much younger actor for the role?
I do and I am tired of the high school Spider-Man plot line. It's been done in two previous Spider-Man franchises at Sony and this is a story arc that is too played out. I'd prefer a Spidey who is well-established with his powers (this can be done in a One-Shot short film) and is in his early 20s either in college or freshly graduated from college. No more high school Peter Parker drama and definitely no more major focus on his love story.
So you don't want Gwen Stacey or Mary Jane?
Either will do but both the previous incarnations of the Spider-Man franchise also focused too heavily on Parker's love interests. I think it's time to show Parker as the loner genius he really is in his personal life and as the super hero who enjoys working by himself but will always lend a helping hand if another hero asks for help from Spider-Man.
And that's all I got for my thoughts on Spider-Man in the MCU.
Marvel's Spider-Man releases in theaters on July 28, 2017.
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