Spider-Man 4 Needs To Make One Character More Than Just A Comedic Sidekick

Spider-Man 4 Needs To Make One Character More Than Just A Comedic Sidekick

Key Takeaways

  • Ned has been a comedic sidekick in MCU films, but it’s time for his character to evolve emotionally.
  • With Spider-Man 4, the pivotal movie for Ned, he needs to be given more depth and significance.
  • Ned could transform into the Hobgoblin, offering a potential for a significant character arc in future MCU projects.

As a longtime fan who has witnessed Ned Leeds’ evolution from comic relief to Peter Parker’s loyal sidekick in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I can’t help but feel that it’s high time for his character arc to take a dramatic turn. After three Spider-Man films, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, Ned has undeniably left an impression on audiences, but there’s only so much comedic relief one can provide before the audience starts craving more depth.


Following his appearances in all three “Spider-Man” Marvel films, “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame”, Ned has become a well-established character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Up until now, however, he’s primarily been portrayed as Peter Parker’s amusing companion, with actor Jacob Batalon not having many opportunities for emotionally impactful performances.

As a die-hard gamer excited about the upcoming release of Spider-Man 4, I can’t wait for Ned to step up his game and contribute even more depth to this beloved franchise. With fans deeply invested in the character, it’s now or never to captivate our hearts and give us a compelling reason to delve deeper into Ned’s story, moving beyond mere surface-level interest.

Why Ned Is Starting To Become Stale

Spider-Man 4 Needs To Make One Character More Than Just A Comedic Sidekick

In every Marvel movie, characters other than the main hero contribute significantly to the plot and the development of the universe, and within the Spider-Man series, Ned has played a pivotal role in this regard. Being Peter’s faithful friend, he has been with him through many key moments in Spider-Man’s most exciting adventures.

Essentially, the character has primarily served as a source of humor to balance out the intense action scenes in the Marvel movies. This role has greatly enriched each film, keeping audiences engaged. The bond between Batalon and Tom Holland is palpable on screen, making their friendship relatable and endearing. However, after numerous appearances, the character seems repetitive due to a lack of growth or progression in his storyline.

Of course, the bulk of the focus must be placed on Spider-Man, whoever the villain is, and the romantic connection with Mary Jane. But considering how significant of a supporting role Ned is, the fact he’s not developed outside of being the happy-go-lucky friend who is desperate to help Peter as much as possible is a shame. Audiences know what to expect from Ned in the Spider-Man movies at this point, and that’s why it’s time for a change.

Spider-Man 4 Is A Crucial Movie For This Character

Spider-Man 4 Needs To Make One Character More Than Just A Comedic Sidekick

Ned will be in an intriguing position heading into Spider-Man 4, considering the major twist at the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Doctor Strange casts a spell that leads the world to forget who he is, which means Ned no longer has a clue about his friend and the connection that they have shared for so many years.

In a similar vein, it applies to MJ and all the other characters that Spider-Man interacts with, including his fellow Avengers. This arrangement ensures that Ned doesn’t become monotonous since he lacks a primary companion to share his experiences with initially, making him more than just a cheerful sidekick.

During the movie, Peter might spend a significant amount of time trying to remind them about their past, whereas Ned will find himself in a special situation. If the Marvel creators opt not to repair that friendship, it may create doubts about whether or not the character is essential in upcoming movies. As a result, Spider-Man 4 offers a critical opportunity for Ned, and it’s now appropriate to utilize him in a fresh manner.

Ned Could Step Up And Do More

Spider-Man 4 Needs To Make One Character More Than Just A Comedic Sidekick

As a die-hard Spidey fan, I’m thrilled about Spider-Man 4, especially since it finds our friendly neighborhood hero in a unique predicament – he’s lost touch with who Peter Parker truly is, the man who’s stood by and supported Spider-Man through thick and thin. Marvel could throw us for a loop by pairing him romantically with MJ, adding an intriguing layer to the storyline.

Instead, a more dramatic shift for the character could occur if he were to adopt the role of Hobgoblin, as depicted in the comics. This transformation into a villain would bring about an intriguing narrative twist, given his extensive history with Spider-Man. To date, Ned has been portrayed as intellectually equivalent to Spider-Man, and this transition would capitalize on that dynamic. Moreover, having a villain with a rich backstory like Hobgoblin would captivate the audience, making them invested in the ensuing storyline. This development would compel Marvel to introduce changes in the beloved character of Spider-Man as well.

It’s unclear whether Ned will assume the Hobgoblin persona to become the main antagonist in Spider-Man 4, or if this is merely a hint for future developments. A more strategic approach might be to introduce Ned as Hobgoblin now, and then build up to him becoming the primary villain in a later Spider-Man project. This method could contribute to the franchise’s progression by keeping certain stories within the Spider-Man universe, rather than constantly affecting the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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2024-11-18 18:06