Spider-Man’s Bold Twist: Is The Lizard Set for Redemption?

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Summary

  • Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man introduces a new twist on Peter Parker’s origin story under Norman Osborn’s mentorship.
  • The animated series teases a new Lizard character, sparking mixed reactions regarding revamped classic characters.
  • Despite potential controversy, the series has been renewed for three seasons, promising more on Dr. Carla Connors and her role.

A fresh addition has arrived, as Jeff Trammell’s “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” leaps into action on Disney+. This new series aims to rekindle the charm of the original “Spider-Man: The Animated Series” from 1994 to 1998. Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Earth-616, “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” is set in an alternate world where Peter Parker (voiced by Hudson Thames) learns from Norman Osborn instead of Tony Stark.

The animated series titled “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” presents a fresh perspective on the happenings from “Captain America: Civil War” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming“. Instead of following the traditional events leading to Peter Parker’s transformation, this show delves into a unique origin story stemming from Uncle Ben’s demise. In its first two episodes alone, the 10-part debut season has already unveiled an intricate web of potential allies and adversaries that sets it apart.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Teases a new Lizard

In contrast to the common portrayal of Norman Osborn in the comics, my take on him in “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” leans more towards Peter’s heroic guide rather than a typical antagonist. Unlike Tony Stark and his high-tech Iron Man suit, this animated series explores the untapped potential of Oscorp as an alternative. Whether Oscorp will follow its dark history from the live-action Spider-Man movies remains to be seen, but it’s already hinted at one of my favorite Spider-Man villains among its personnel.

On January 29th, “The Parker Luck” serves as the second installment of the series, with Peter being invited by Norman Osborn for an exclusive internship at Oscorp. Among those working there are well-known characters from Marvel Comics like Amadeus Cho (the second Hulk), Jeanne Foucault/Finesse, and Bentley Wittman/the Wizard. However, what really catches the eye is that Peter will be working under Dr. Carla Connors, hinting at a possible connection to the Lizard character, as it seems Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is introducing its own female version of Dr. Curtis Connors, who is known as the Lizard in the comics.

The popular character, Spider-Man from your neighborhood, has been criticized for changing some classic characters, with a few people arguing that Harry and Norman Osborn are now of different races. Even the voice actor of Peter Parker was involved in a controversy over what seemed to be a reference to the series as ‘woke.’ However, changing Dr. Connors’ gender isn’t causing much controversy, given that Kathryn Hahn played a female Doctor Octopus in 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Many people on social media are excited about the possibility of the Lizard being introduced next.

Since Disney+ has already guaranteed the series up until season 3, it’s plausible that Dr. Connors might not completely transform into the Lizard by the end of the first ten episodes, but instead, a surprise plot twist could be saved for later. Additionally, given that Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man may emulate Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy with Dylan Baker and avoid a full Lizard transformation, it seems probable that Zehra Fazal, who voices Dr. Connors in the series, will remain in her animated role and not transition into live-action. Known for voicing characters in shows like Young Justice: Outsiders and Watchmen Chapter 2, it appears unlikely she’ll be making a switch to live-action.

The Tragic History of Spider-Man Movies and the Lizard

In 1963’s “The Amazing Spider-Man” #6, both Dr. Curtis Connors and the Lizard were initially introduced and have since become a significant part of the series. Often depicted as a tragic antihero reminiscent of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Lizard has been an integral component of the Sinister Six and has made appearances in various animated adaptations and live-action movies ever since “Dr. Curt Conner” debuted in a 1967 episode of the “Spider-Man” cartoon. However, the Lizard has faced some challenges in Marvel films. As previously stated, Baker was unable to fully embody the Lizard, although there were rumors that Raimi intended to unveil his villainous side in the aborted “Spider-Man 4”.

In a different film, Rhys Ifans took on the role of Dr. Connors/the Lizard in 2012’s “The Amazing Spider-Man”. As the main antagonist for Andrew Garfield’s debut as the web-slinger, Ifans’ performance received positive feedback from viewers, but didn’t quite measure up to the iconic performances of Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin and Alfred Molina’s Doc Ock in the earlier Raimi movies. There was hope for a comeback when Jon Watts directed Ifans again for 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home”, but unfortunately, his role ended up being minimal. Fans were excited when Ifans hinted at his return in “No Way Home”, only to be let down when he merely provided the voice of the Lizard, and his appearance at the end of the movie as Dr. Connors was through old footage.

Regarding taking things to an extraordinary level in the character of the Lizard, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse stands out as the most impressive, and that’s without Dr. Connors being involved. The 2021 sequel’s debut introduced Jack Quaid as the voice of Peter Benjamin Parker from Earth-65B. In this alternate universe, Peter Parker was tired of being bullied and turned into a monstrous creature resembling Godzilla after consuming the Lizard serum. Sadly, this adaptation didn’t survive a battle with Gwen Stacy, making it unlikely for his return.

With Dr. Carla Connors set to take on the responsibility, her role continues the Lizard’s legacy. If she doesn’t show up in Spider-Man 4, there’s a good chance we might see her in the postponed Spider-Verse sequel instead.

The new take on iconic Spider-Man characters was anticipated by the audience, yet there was some debate over the gender and racial change of the Lizard character, while Kathryn Hahn’s portrayal of Doc Ock did not elicit the same negative response. It is hoped that we will see more of Carla Connors to counteract the initial criticism. With another two seasons planned, viewers can look forward to learning more about her history – an aspect that Raimi’s adaptation with Baker never delved into. So far, only a brief glimpse of Dr. Connors has been shown, so fans will have to stay tuned to see how significant her role might become in the developing series. Regardless, it’s high time for the Lizard character to take center stage – even if they are not officially part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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2025-02-02 21:55