EDITORIAL: How Should SPIDER-MAN Be Handled In The MCU?

One key thing that caught everyone’s attention were the Sony/Marvel negotiations that apparently took place. Apparently there was some negotiations in October to have Spidey appear in Civil War and then his own trilogy fell through, and the current status of the situation appears to be in shambles, and Andrew Garfield is rumored to have been fired.

I think that Feige wanted Spider-Man to have the role he had in the comic, and wanted to announce him at the big event that happened in October. It’s very possible that after the Spidey stuff fell through, it was decided that Black Panther would take his place. The Russos sent an email to Sony STRONGLY urging them to rethink the proposition and added in they were willing to produce the (theoretical) new trilogy of films.

Now as someone who thought The Winter Soldier was amazing, the Russos having any influence on Spider-Man made me ecstatic. I did think that maybe Garfield could be given another chance, and it could work. Many disagree, but hey, c'est la vie. Many have given some ideas as to how Spider-Man could be used, and to toss a bit more gas into the fire, here’s two options I think Sony/Marvel could have if they figure it out. I will say I think a Civil War appearance SHOULD happen, and if they come to an agreement by February, that he could take Black Panther’s more pivotal role, or just make a cameo. Without further ado, here’s my two ideas:

OPTION #1: Keep Garfield and the ASM Continuity
 

Now, now, don’t get mad! I know Garfield’s performance as Spidey has been widely criticized, and many hate the ASM continuity. I get that, and understand people’s hate. BUT, another reboot in 3-5 years may be a bit too much for the GA. I also think the ASM continuity could work in the MCU as well. Think about it, all the construction happening in the first movie could have been a result of the Avenger’s final battle in The Avengers. Not much else can be said regarding it’s place, but I do think that the adventures in the first two can work within the bounds of the MCU.

Regarding Garfield, I think he was a great Spidey and an okay Peter. I think most of the problems with TASM movies were the direction, script and a blinding money obsession, not so much Garfield. I will say however that he is getting a bit old, and that by the time a trilogy produced by the Russos would come around, he would be in his mid-30s. So I feel like though it could work, I don’t know if I want it to. Which is why I prefer the second option…
 

Option #2: Reboot Spidey in Civil War
 

This option I think is much more preferable, even though it’s so soon of a reboot. My idea is to have Spider-Man have an appearance in Civil War. It’s theorized that Black Panther is taking Spider-Man’s place as the person who is torn between two sides. As I stated, Spider-Man could retake this position if negotiations took place soon enough. However, Civil War starts shooting in April, and it might take some time for Spidey to have that big of a role, so it could be awesome if they just gave him a glorified cameo in Civil War, just establish him.

But what of his post-Civil War potential, and possible pre-Civil War career? Now many of you may be asking, PRE-Civil War Career?? Yes, pre-Civil War. I think that maybe not him appearing before Civil War, but his parents directly or indirectly mentioned on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Now I’d like to give a shoutout to @Inhuman for this idea! I absolutely love it! I think the reference and/or appearance would show Peter Parker’s parents as SHIELD agents. That would be cool and a nice tidbit for viewers as a nod towards the fans. It should be rather small, in my opinion. And that would be his pre-Civil War career besides maybe a mention in one of next year’s Marvel films.

Now, regarding his post-Civil War career, I think he should definitely be in Infinity War. Nothing terribly extreme, but helping the Avengers out in New York or something would be pretty amazing. I think after his smaller role in Infinity War, he’s the Iron Man of Phase Four. That’d be the ideal situation for me.

But I thought of something that could happen between Infinity War and Civil War. Spidey is given a miniseries telling his origin, which would take place before Civil War and after Age of Ultron, and would really flesh out the character and his origin. Now this is definitely a pipe dream, sure. But narratively, it makes sense, it also holds fans over, and really distinguishes this Peter and everything about him that can just give the new trilogy the ability not to have to touch on it. I don’t think it has to be a full season like Daredevil or any of the other Defender’s, but maybe 2-4 episodes just to give fans something really nice. I would think it would be on Netflix, and the amount of people watching it would be enough to build excitement for the reboot trilogy/Infinity War.

I will only touch on the potential trilogy produced by the Russo brothers. I heard a Dark Reign suggestion that sounded neat. (I think it was @0megaDaGod... If so, shoutout!) I’m not exactly sure what the trilogy would entail, but an escalation from movie to movie is ideal, and a more comic accurate Norman Osborne would be amazing. Again, not to sure about what it would entail, but I do think the Dark Reign idea is pretty solid.

Now that I’ve touched on how I feel his presence should be felt, what actor should play him? I think Logan Lerman is a solid choice.

He’s a great actor, and despite a big blunder or two (see the Percy Jackson movies!) his performance in Perks of Being a Wallflower was solid and critically acclaimed. He’s also looks young enough to pass as a high school student, and quite frankly looks quite like Peter to me.

Well that wraps it all up folks! I hope you all enjoyed my recommendation or two! I’d like to thank @Inhuman(and @0megaDaGod to? Not sure. Please don’t get mad if it was someone else!) again, and remember,