If you’re a Marvel fan (or even if you’re just active on social media), you know that everyone is talking about the untitled third film in the Tom Holland Spider-Man series, set to release near the end of 2021. Even with all of the new announcements of Marvel content, including WandaVision, Black Widow and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the third installment of the Spider-Man series is arguably generating the most buzz.
This is because of the announcement that other characters and actors from the other two Spider-Man series are set to return, as the third film will conquer the multiverse premise introduced heavily in Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse and briefly in Spider-Man: Far From Home.
However, it’s important the audience doesn’t forget that this film series is Holland’s moment to shine.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe canonical series of Spider-Man features the already-iconic cast of Holland as Spider-Man, Zendaya as his love interest, MJ, Jacob Batalon as his best friend, Ned, and Marisa Tomei as his Aunt May.
But this isn’t the first iconic Spider-Man cast to hit the big screens; it all started with Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man, Kirsten Dunst as MJ, James Franco as Harry Osborn, Willem Dafoe as Green Goblin, Alfred Molina as Doc Ock, Topher Grace as Eddie Brock, Thomas Haden Church as Sandman, Bryce Dallas Howard as Gwen Stacy and J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson.
Then came The Amazing Spider-Man series with Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, Sally Field as Aunt May, Jamie Foxx as Electro and Rhys Ifans as Dr. Curt Connors, a.k.a. the Lizard.
Fans’ minds were blown when it was announced that many of the actors and characters from the other two Spider-Man series would make an appearance in the upcoming untitled Spider-Man sequel, including both Maguire and Garfield; Dunst and Stone; and villains like Foxx and Molina. Even Charlie Cox from Daredevil has signed on to the film.
A lot of the fandom, however, is nervous that this will turn into a mere glorified celebrity cameo film rather than one with a strong, cohesive plot. With so many iconic actors and characters, it’s important that director Jon Watts and writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers make this as cohesive as any of the other Avengers films, where combining top-billed actors and iconic characters seemed as easy as breathing.
The other concern is making sure that Tom Holland gets his due screen time. Maguire and Garfield have already had their run as the iconic character, and now it’s Holland’s turn. Those who love Holland’s performance and who are very invested in his role in the MCU (myself included) want to see his romance with MJ, his friendship with Ned and his relationship with May. We want to see him battling his own villains and having his own central storyline.
If you think about it, the mid-credit scene of Far From Home shows Peter Parker’s identity being exposed, so that’s the perfect setup to a huge plot for Holland. Hopefully, the director and writers feel the same way and will give Holland, Zendaya, Batalon and Tomei the screen time they deserve.
I have to admit, however, that there are a lot of aspects about having the older characters in the film that’s incredibly exciting. I can only imagine what it would be like to watch this in a crowded theater (COVID-19 permitting) and having Maguire or Garfield swing on the screen or watch Foxx light up with endless amounts of electricity or Molina’s classic eight arms. The film, if done correctly, might be the best Marvel venture yet.
As long as everyone remembers it’s Holland’s time to shine, it’ll be great.
Riley Runnells is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you agree? Let Riley know by emailing her at rr855317@ohio.edu.
