Spider-Man 4 Can’t Retell The Gwen Stacy Story

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The “Spider-Man” film series is venturing into uncharted waters. After the Sam Raimi franchise ended after three films and the Marc Webb series concluded following two, Destin Daniel Cretton’s “Spider-Man 4” holds significant importance within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although Tobey Maguire has appeared in four “Spider-Man” films, Tom Holland is set to become the first actor portraying Spider-Man to headline a complete quartet of movies.

In advance planning, Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has confirmed that the upcoming “Spider-Man 4” will unfold in a world post-“Avengers: Doomsday,” potentially paving the way for “Avengers: Secret Wars.” There’s a buzz among fans about the plot, with speculation that it might be another Multiverse tale. The question on everyone’s mind is whether a classic Spider-Man story will be revisited in this next cinematic outing.

The Night Gwen Stacy Died is one of the Most Iconic Spider-Man Stories

Among the most iconic Spider-Man storylines, “The Night Gwen Stacy Died” stands out as one of the definitive ones, unfolding across issues #121 and #122 of The Amazing Spider-Man in 1973. This classic arc was written by Gerry Conway, with artwork by Gil Kane and John Romita St. & Tony Mortellaro. It marked a significant departure from the norm, as it involved the shocking demise of a major character – the beloved Gwen Stacy, who was Peter Parker’s one true love. This event had profound consequences for the Spider-Man universe, reshaping it for years to come.

In the comic book “The Night Gwen Stacy Died,” Norman Osborn was reminded of Peter Parker’s secret identity as Spider-Man. The Green Goblin tricked Spider-Man into going to the George Washington Bridge, where he tossed Gwen Stacy off during a fierce battle. Although Spider-Man managed to save her with his webbing, it was later revealed in Amazing Spider-Man #125 that the impact of the fall and the subsequent whiplash were what ultimately led to Gwen’s death. However, later issues clarified that it was actually the fall itself that killed her. The Green Goblin met his end in the next issue, impaled by his own glider, which echoes some elements from Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man film, as Gwen Stacy was replaced with Mary Jane Watson and she wasn’t the one who perished in that story.

The storyline “The Night Gwen Stacy Died” is often credited for marking the end of the Silver Age in comics. This narrative shift brought more focus on Mary Jane Watson, helped introduce the Punisher, and reinforced the Green Goblin as Spider-Man’s archnemesis. Although Gwen Stacy’s death has been somewhat reversed through complex clone tales and multiverse manipulations over time, the original storyline is much more than just a renowned Spider-Man comic. It’s considered one of the greatest comic stories ever told, which explains the excitement surrounding its potential appearance in Spider-Man 4.

As speculation swirls about Spider-Man 4 possibly marking Tom Holland’s final appearance as Spider-Man, fans are eager for significant drama in what might be his last standalone MCU film. Although it’s predicted that he may reappear in Secret Wars, a compelling reason is needed to draw viewers to Spider-Man 4 between Avengers films. This has given rise to an unusual rumor suggesting the inclusion of Ghost Rider and Sacha Baron Cohen’s Mephisto in the film, yet there are requests for Spider-Man 4 to focus on a more realistic urban adventure instead.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Already Told Gwen Stacy’s Story

In 2002’s “Spider-Man”, although the film presented its unique take on MJ, “The Night Gwen Stacy Died” was more accurately portrayed in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”. After Kirsten Dunst played Mary Jane Watson as Peter Parker’s primary love interest in Sam Raimi’s trilogy, it made sense for Emma Stone to play Gwen Stacy in the rebooted series. The “whiplash” version of the story saw Gwen’s death near the end of the 2014 movie. Given that this happened just 11 years ago, it might be premature for the MCU to depict “The Night Gwen Stacy Died” again.

Significantly, some key characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) are absent at the moment. The franchise is recognized for adapting source material creatively, as shown in films like Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. However, with no indication that Gwen Stacy will appear, it seems unlikely that she would be introduced and killed off in Spider-Man 4. Additionally, Willem Dafoe has reprised his role as the Green Goblin, and Spider-Man: No Way Home gave a unique twist to the storyline after Norman Osborn was responsible for Aunt May’s (Marisa Tomei) demise.

In another update, it appears Zendaya may reprise her role as MJ for Spider-Man 4. At the end of No Way Home, Doctor Strange (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) cast a spell that made everyone forget that Peter Parker was Spider-Man, including MJ who forgot him entirely. There’s also speculation that Sydney Sweeney could join the cast as Felicia Hardy/Black Cat, potentially taking over as a love interest if MJ is no longer around. As of now, there’s no indication of Gwen Stacy being involved in Spider-Man 4.

It seems awkward to include Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man 4 since Hailee Steinfeld has previously portrayed Spider-Woman in Sony’s animated Spider-Verse films and is set to reprise her role in the upcoming Beyond the Spider-Verse. Even though Warner Bros. might have two Batmans (Robert Pattinson’s Elseworlds version and the DCU’s), it appears unlikely that we’ll see a different Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man 4 if Steinfeld is set to play Spider-Gwen in live action.

There’s a chance that Spider-Man 4 might introduce the character of Gwen Stacy, potentially played by Sweeney, with potential future storylines involving Tom Holland or even the introduction of Miles Morales in the MCU. Bryce Dallas Howard had previously portrayed Gwen in Spider-Man 3, and this wouldn’t be the first time the Spider-Man series has struggled to accommodate her character – plans for an expanded role for Gwen in Raimi’s Spider-Man 4 were once considered but never materialized.

As a dedicated cinephile who’s followed Spider-Man’s love life for over two decades, I find myself intrigued by the prospect of introducing Felicia Hardy into the mix. Yet, the enduring charm of Zendaya and her bond with Holland hints at Mary Jane Watson returning to Peter Parker in “Spider-Man 4”. However, speculation runs rife regarding titles that may subtly hint at Gwen Stacy’s presence, while some even suggest Bryce Dallas Howard joining Tobey Maguire for a multiverse adventure. Despite these rumors, it seems unlikely that we’ll see Gwen Stacy in “Spider-Man 4”, but keep an eye out for her eventual appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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2025-01-10 20:04