Since Spider-Man: No Way Home was released at the end of 2021, it's hard to think of another comic book adaptation that's generated quite as much excitement. Between the secrecy surrounding it and the fact it's, well, a Spider-Man movie, it's no wonder the threequel broke box office records.
In recent weeks, we've seen a lot of concept art showcasing moments that didn't make it into the movie. Now, another comes our way courtesy of longtime Marvel Studios artist, Phil Saunders.
Sharing a piece that shows Peter Parker being stabbed by the Green Goblin during what appears to be an aerial battle, we also see MJ attempt to inject the villain with the formula capable of ridding Norman Osborn of the Green Goblin once and for all.
Things played out a little differently in Spider-Man: No Way Home, of course, but as Saunders explains: "In an earlier version of the script, Green Goblin ends up stabbing Spidey, just before MJ drops on his back and manages to plunge the antidote needle into his neck."
"It was great working out the dynamics of this composition to capture the drama of the moment."
It's a spectacular piece of artwork and we can't help but wish this sequence had made the final cut. Norman ended up stabbing Tobey Maguire's Peter Parker during the final battle, while we know from behind-the-scenes footage that a fight featuring him on the villain's Goblin Glider ended up on the cutting room floor for an unknown reason.
You can check out this amazing keyframe below courtesy of Saunders' ArtStation page.
In Spider-Man: No Way Home, for the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighbourhood hero's identity is revealed, bringing his superhero responsibilities into conflict with his normal life and putting those he cares about most at risk.
When he enlists Doctor Strange’s help to restore his secret, the spell tears a hole in their world, releasing the most powerful villains who’ve ever fought a Spider-Man in any universe. Now, Peter will have to overcome his greatest challenge yet, which will not only forever alter his own future but the future of the Multiverse.
The movie stars Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jon Favreau, Jacob Batalon, Marisa Tomei, J. B. Smoove, Benedict Wong, J.K. Simmons, Alfred Molina, Jamie Foxx, Willem Dafoe, Thomas Haden Church, and Rhys Ifans.
Spider-Man: No Way Home is now available to buy wherever movies are available.