Spider-Man Comic Storylines That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into Movies

Spider-Man Comic Storylines That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into Movies

Key Takeaways

  • The MCU might avoid addressing controversial or dark narratives from Spider-Man comics in future films.
  • Comic-accurate stories like The Evil That Men Do or Kraven’s Last Hunt may not be adapted due to their tones conflicting with the MCU.
  • The Superior Spider-Man storyline, where Doc Ock becomes Spider-Man, could be too risky for the mainstream audience.

As a long-time comic book enthusiast and someone who has witnessed the highs and lows of Marvel’s storytelling over the years, I must say that both the “Fantastic Four” and “The Superior Spider-Man” stories hold a special place in my heart.


It’s amazing to see how far the Spider-Man series has expanded in cinema. Characters from this franchise have not only fought alongside the Avengers but also teamed up with versions of Peter Parker from different universes within the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Furthermore, the multiverse concept involving Spider-Man characters has been delved into by Sony’s multi-character focused Spider-Verse movies.

It’s hard to imagine that some storylines from Spider-Man’s comics could be adapted into movies due to their controversial nature among fans and differences in tone compared to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of Spidey. These comic tales may continue to live only on paper.

10 The Evil That Men Do

Fans Disliked This Take On Black Cat

Spider-Man Comic Storylines That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into Movies
Publication Date(s)2002-2006
Writer(s)Kevin Smith
Artist(s)Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson, Lee Loughridge
Featured CharactersSpider-Man, Black Cat, Mr. Brownstone, Scorpia, Daredevil, Nightcrawler, Kingpin

Translating Spider-Man’s connection with Black Cat into films would be a tricky endeavor, given the need to preserve comic book authenticity while staying within the boundaries of the MCU. Black Cat is notably more daring than what the usual MCU portrays, and it’s unlikely that the storyline from the comic miniseries “The Evil That Men Do” will be the one chosen for live-action adaptation if Marvel decides to introduce her in real life.

Specifically, the comic book “The Evil That Men Do” stirred up debate due to its inclusion of graphic depictions involving Black Cat being attacked by the antagonist Mr. Brownstone. While it was daring for Marvel Comics to address such heavy subject matter in this narrative, some readers perceived it as sensationalizing these sensitive themes. Given how passionate fans are about such content, it’s doubtful that the Marvel Cinematic Universe would ever adapt this story.

9 Spider-Man Vs. The Punisher

The Punisher’s Debut Was A Different Tone For Spider-Man

Spider-Man Comic Storylines That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into Movies
Publication Date(s)1973
Writer(s)Gerry Conway
Artist(s)Ross Andru, Frank Giacoia, Dave Hunt
Featured CharactersSpider-Man, The Punisher, Jackal, M.J. Watson, J. Jonah Jameson, Harry Osborne, Betty Brant

A surprising fun fact about The Punisher is that the character originally appeared as a Spider-Man antagonist in a 1973 comic. Hired by the Jackal to assassinate Spider-Man, the Punisher’s characterization was beloved by fans and took off with his own solo series. Now, the character is one of Marvel’s most iconic heroes, played by Jon Bernthal in the MCU.

While fans who have watched Bernthal’s portrayal of The Punisher on Netflix may find it difficult to picture him interacting with Spider-Man, their characters’ tones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) are so distinct that it seems unlikely they will cross paths. Although these two characters share a history together in the comics, the films will likely focus on showcasing some of Spider-Man’s unique adversaries rather than pairing him with The Punisher.

8 The Death Of Jean DeWolff

Police Corruption Is A Tough Topic To Tackle

Spider-Man Comic Storylines That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into Movies
Publication Date(s)1985-1986
Writer(s)Peter David
Artist(s)Rich Buckler, Kyle Baker, Brett Breeding, Pat Redding, Josef Rubinstein
Featured CharactersSpider-Man, Daredevil, Jean DeWolff, Sin-Eater, J. Jonah Jameson, Betty Brant

Jean DeWolff emerged as a significant ally to Spider-Man around the early 1970s, portrayed as an NYPD chief who held affection towards the neighborhood superhero. Unfortunately, in the comic book storyline titled “The Death of Jean DeWolff” (1985), she met a tragic end when she was found murdered by gunshot. This event led Spider-Man on a quest to identify her murderer.

In this tale, it’s revealed that Police Sergeant Stan Carter is actually the masked vigilante known as Sin-Eater. He uses this identity to rid the world of corrupt individuals. The story delves into the gritty reality of police corruption in New York City. Unlike most of Spider-Man’s adversaries, Sin-Eater proves to be a truly formidable villain. While it makes for a compelling narrative, some younger fans might find the themes a bit complex.

7 Kraven’s Last Hunt

A Dark Story With An Even Darker Ending

Spider-Man Comic Storylines That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into Movies
Publication Date(s)1987
Writer(s)J.M. DeMatteis
Artist(s)Mike Zeck, Bob McLeod
Featured CharactersSpider-Man, Kraven the Hunter, M.J. Watson, Captain America, Vermin

In 2024, Aaron Taylor-Johnson will portray Kraven the Hunter for the first time in live action, and fans are eagerly anticipating his encounter with Peter Parker. However, it seems unlikely that the movie adaptation will follow the storyline from “Kraven’s Last Hunt“, a comic where Kraven defeats Spider-Man, leading to an apparent death for our hero.

In an unexpected turn of events, Kraven seizes Spider-Man’s suit and impersonates the hero, battling crime instead. As expected, Peter Parker isn’t truly deceased, leading to a final showdown between him and Kraven. However, this confrontation doesn’t conclude in the usual manner for the hunter. Instead, at the story’s end, Kraven takes his own life, a twist that Marvel likely wouldn’t portray due to its grim nature.

6 Spider-Man: Reign

Tragedy Befalls An Older Peter Parker

Spider-Man Comic Storylines That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into Movies
Publication Date(s)2006-2007
Writer(s)Kaare Andrews
Artist(s)Kaare Andrews, Jose Villarrubia
Featured CharactersSpider-Man, M.J. Watson, Electro, Mysterio, Kraven the Hunter, Sandman, Scorpion, Hydro-Man, Kingpin, J. Jonah Jameson, Mayor Waters, Hypno-Hustler, Doctor Octopus, Venom

In the upcoming movie titled “Spider-Man: Reign“, the story unfolds three decades into Peter Parker’s life, exploring the hardships he has faced. New York City is now under the rule of an oppressive government, Mary Jane Watson succumbed to radiation poisoning caused by Peter, and even J. Jonah Jameson is spearheading a rebellion against the police, which is known as “the Reign.

In all probability, the movie Spider-Man: Reign won’t make it to the big screen due to MCU fans’ potential concerns with its content. It’s challenging to envision audiences getting enthused about an older Spider-Man tale. However, it was successfully executed in 2017’s Logan. Yet, given that Tom Holland might not want to continue portraying Spider-Man for the next 30 years, it seems unlikely.

5 The Clone Saga

Clone Wars Get Messy In The Comics

Spider-Man Comic Storylines That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into Movies
Publication Date(s)1994-1996
Writer(s)Terry Kavanagh, Joey Cavalieri, Todd Dezago, J.M. DeMatteis, Tom DeFalco
Artist(s)Various
Featured CharactersSpider-Man, Scarlet Spider, M.J. Watson, Jackal, Norman Osborn, Kaine, Spidercide, Judas Traveller, High Evolutionary, Gwen Stacy

Despite the Clone Saga spawning one of Spider-Man’s most famous counterparts, the Scarlet Spider, it is arguably more bewildering than Marvel Studios’ already delved multiverse stories involving Spider-Man. Notably, the Clone Saga revolves around the villainous Jackal creating a clone of Peter Parker, Ben Reilly, with the intention of eliminating Spider-Man for failing to save Gwen Stacy from death.

Due to the success of the series, it ran for numerous years with multiple unexpected events, one of which was the unveiling that Norman Osborn was the mastermind. While it’s feasible that incidents like Gwen Stacy’s demise, the Jackal’s mental breakdown, and Ben Reilly’s arrival could occur in live-action adaptations, there are more straightforward Spider-Man tales to explore instead.

4 Sins Past

A Polarizing Revelation About Peter’s Lost Love

Spider-Man Comic Storylines That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into Movies
Publication Date(s)2004
Writer(s)J. Michael Straczynski
Artist(s)Mike Deodato Jr.
Featured CharactersSpider-Man, Gwen Stacy, Norman Osborn, M.J. Watson, May Parker, Sarah Stacy, Gabriel Stacy

Among the most debated Spider-Man story arcs ever written is “Sins Past,” which left many fans of the comic books in shock. As revealed by J. Michael Straczynski, before her legendary demise, Gwen Stacy was involved with Norman Osborn, resulting in two children: Sarah and Gabriel. Remarkably, these offspring aged rapidly due to Osborn’s Green Goblin serum.

After it became known that Osborn was the Green Goblin, Sarah and Gabriel decided to seek revenge against Spider-Man, who was unaware of their existence. Since this storyline wasn’t well-received, particularly by fans of Gwen Stacy, it was revised or altered years later during the “Sinister War” plot. Marvel seems determined to avoid repeating that mistake in the future.

3 One More Day

Spider-Man Makes A Deal With The Devil

Spider-Man Comic Storylines That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into Movies
Publication Date(s)2007-2008
Writer(s)J. Michael Straczynski, Joe Quesada
Artist(s)Joe Quesada, Danny Miki
Featured CharactersSpider-Man, M.J. Watson, Mephisto, Aunt May, Tony Stark, Doctor Strange, Harry Osborn, Reed Richards

J. Michael Straczynski was really innovating with Spider-Man, and in the story “One More Day,” we find Peter Parker facing a common Marvel Comics dilemma: saving his Aunt May after she’s murdered by a Kingpin henchman. Unable to get assistance from figures like Doctor Strange or Tony Stark, Peter turns to an unexpected ally – Mephisto.

No Way Home has already undone Peter and MJ’s relationship, it seems unlikely that Marvel will revisit this theme again.

2 Spider-Man And The Fantastic Four

An Iconic Team-Up That Could Be Hard To Pull Off

Spider-Man Comic Storylines That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into Movies
Publication Date(s)2007
Writer(s)Jeff Parker
Artist(s)Mike Wieringo, Wade von Grawbadger, Pate Pantazis
Featured CharactersSpider-Man, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Human Torch, The Thing, M.J. Watson, Aunt May, Impossible Man, High Evolutionary, Doctor Doom

In the upcoming film titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“, we’ll see the Marvel Cinematic Universe introduction of The Fantastic Four, portrayed by actors Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. This story takes place in a different universe, depicting 1960s New York with a blend of retro and futuristic elements. As for when these new characters will cross paths with the Earth-616 Avengers in future films, we’ll have to wait and see!

Although The Fantastic Four have a significant role in the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it seems unlikely that they’ll embark on adventures with Spider-Man anytime soon, even though their alliance is well-developed in the comics. This is because the MCU has previously delved into Mount Wundagore and the High Evolutionary, so it’s unlikely they’ll draw from this particular story arc for potential collaborations between Spider-Man and The Fantastic Four.

1 The Superior Spider-Man

Doc Ock Tries Out Being A Superhero For Once

Spider-Man Comic Storylines That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into Movies
Publication Date(s)2013-2014
Writer(s)Dan Slott
Artist(s)Ryan Stegman, Humberto Ramos, Giuseppe Camuncoli
Featured CharactersSpider-Man, Doctor Octopus, M.J. Watson, May Parker, Hobgoblin, Vulture, Black Cat, Harry Osborn, J. Jonah Jameson, Miguel O’Hara, Flash Thompson, Kingpin, Goblin King, Scarlet Spider

One of the darkest story-lines of Spider-Man is fairly recent to Marvel Comics. In 2012, Peter Parker was killed by Otto Octavius in the Dying Wish arc. In The Superior Spider-Man, Doc Ock implants his mind in Spider-Man’s body and seeks to prove himself a better hero than Peter Parker was, which initially ran for over 30 issues from 2013 to 2014.

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but ponder over the captivating tales spun from Octavius inhabiting Peter Parker’s persona. Yet, it seems rather improbable for Marvel Studios to replicate this in live-action. The spellbinding portrayal of Peter Parker by Tom Holland has left an indelible mark, and introducing a new character to seemingly fill his shoes might be off-putting for casual fans who may not delve as deeply into the comics.

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2024-10-16 19:34