Summary
TheSpider-Manmovies have routinely taken inspiration from the original comics, even perfectly recreating some ofMarvel’s classicSpider-Manpanels. TheSpider-Manmovies have depicted numerous classic plots from the comics, often combining different events to craft an overall narrative. Through this, thelive-actionSpider-Manmovieshave paid homage to several classicSpider-Mancomics, recreating famed moments perfectly.
TheSpider-Manmovies have existed across three distinct eras, each led by different actors in the role of Peter Parker.Tobey Maguire was the original cinematic Spider-Manand appeared in Sam Raimi’sSpider-Mantrilogy, which attempted to foster a realistic tone in the comic book adaptation. However, despite this, Raimi’s movies were much more reminiscent of the source material, routinely drawing fromSpider-Mancomics. Subsequent Spider-Man generations, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland, made fewer direct references to Marvel Comics, but still proffered some notable examples of cinematic homage.
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10Dinner With Norman Osborne
Spider-Man (2002)
The Thanksgiving dinner scene inSpider-Man(2002) recreated a memorable panel from 1968’sThe Spectacular Spider-Man. In both instances, Peter Parker faced a tense dinner with Norman Osborn. While the movie and comic don’t share precisely the same setup, theyvisually and thematically mirror each other, capturing a moment fraught with suspense and subtext. In theSpider-Manscene, Peter Parker joinedWillem Dafoe’s Norman Osbornfor a Thanksgiving meal, accompanied by Aunt May, Harry, and Mary Jane.
The meal was excruciatingly tense as Norman began to suspect Peter’s secret superhero identity. Peter Parker attended a similar dinner party inThe Spectacular Spider-Man. Throughout which, Peter Parker anxiously tried to ascertain whether Norman Osborne had discovered his alterego. Both scenesmasterfully depicted Peter’s cautious demeanor and Norman’s piercing suspicion, creating a gripping tableau of dual identities and concealed truths.
Spider-Man
Cast
Spider-Man is the first film in Sam Raimi’s trilogy starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker. Released in 2002, the film introduced superhero fans to a live-action Norman Osborn, played by Willem Dafoe, who is transformed into his villainous alter ego, Green Goblin, after being forced out of Oscorp Industries. At the same time, Peter Parker is grappling with his newfound abilities as the iconic wall-crawler.
9Green Goblin Throws Spider-Man’s Love Off Brooklyn Bridge
InSpider-Man(2002), the Green Goblin’s act of throwing Mary Jane off the Queensboro Bridge isa direct reference to the iconic “The Death of Gwen Stacy"storyline fromThe Amazing Spider-Man#121-122. In the original comic, the Green Goblin kidnaps Gwen Stacy to lure Spider-Man to a tower on a New York City bridge. Goblin throws Stacy from the bridge, leading to her tragic death despite Spider-Man’s desperate efforts to save her.
Spider-Manmirrored this pivotal moment, capturing the same intense emotional stakes as Goblin offers Spider-Man a“sadistic choice,”dropping both MJ and a tram car full of children. In a key difference, Spider-Man managed to save Mary Jane just in time, averting the tragedy that defined the comic’s storyline. This scene paid tribute to a significant event in Spider-Man’s history but also reimagined it,focusing on Spider-Man’s heroism while nodding to the darker, more tragic elementsof his story.
8Spider-Man Is Dragged Behind Green Goblin’s Glider
Moments after rescuing Mary Jane from Green Goblin, the villain captured Spider-Man using a set of bolas. Ensnaring Spider-Man, Green Goblin dragged Spider-Man behind his glider and carried him across the New York City skyline to the location for their final fight. This sequence vividly recalled the iconic cover ofThe Amazing Spider-Man#39, where Spider-Man is depictedunmasked and helpless, trailing behind the Green Goblin’s glider.
InThe Amazing Spider-Man#39, this event occurred moments after the Green Goblin learned of Spider-Man’s alterego. This allowed Goblin to surprise and capture the hero, where he quickly paraded Spider-Man unmasked to his lair. As such, by incorporating this reference,Spider-Man(2002)primed audiences for the final confrontation between the adversaries. In both instances, this was a precursor to both characters revealing their identity to each other in a dramatic conclucison.
7Green Goblin Is Impaled By His Glider
The climactic scene inSpider-Man(2002) where the Green Goblin attempted to impale Spider-Man with his glider, only to meet his own demise, wasa faithful recreation of the villain’s original deathinThe Amazing Spider-Man#122. In both the film and the comic, the Green Goblin orchestrated a final, deadly attack on Spider-Man and activated his glider to strike from behind. However, Spider-Man’s spider-sense and agility saved him, and he leaped out of the way just in time.
As a result, the Green Goblin’s glider slammed into the villain, fatally impaling him. This scene compellingly depicted the comic’s original conclusion,capturing the tragic irony of the Green Goblin’s deathby his own hand. It underscored the theme of self-destruction that often accompanies the villain’s arc, providing a poignant and powerful end to their conflict, while also remaining true to the source material.
6Spider-Man No More
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Peter Parker’s decision toquit being Spider-Man inSpider-Man 2was a powerful moment directly referencingTheAmazing Spider-Man#50. In the movie, Peter, overwhelmed by the burdens of his dual identity,decided to abandon his superhero persona, declaring,“I am Spider-Man no more.“This iconic scene came from a famous comic panel in the story “Spider-Man No More,” where Spider-Man, feeling similarly defeated, left his costume in a trash can in an alleyway.
Spider-Man 2captured the emotional weight of Peter’s struggle, his internal conflict, and the heavy toll of his responsibilities. The visual of Peter walking away from his discarded costume, symbolizing his attempt to return to a normal life, resonated deeply with audiences familiar with the original storyline. Both instances highlighted the enduring tension between Peter Parker’s personal desires and his obligation to be a hero. This moment would later be referenced inSpider-Man: No Way Home, when Norman Osborne attempts to shake the Green Goblin persona.
Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2 continues Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, with Tobey Maguire returning as Peter Parker. Released in 2004, the film follows Peter’s struggle with balancing his personal life and superhero responsibilities, while confronting the formidable villain, Doc Ock, portrayed by Alfred Molina. Parker’s relationships with Mary Jane and Harry Osborn further complicate his journey.
5Spider-Man Tries To Punch Sandman
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Spider-Man’s first battle with Sandman inSpider-Man 3paid tribute to Sandman’s first comic book appearance inThe Amazing Spider-Man#4. During this intense initial confrontation, Spider-Man punched through Sandman’s sandy form, attempting to stop him from robbing an armored truck. Sandman, however, solidified his body, trapping Spider-Man’s hand. Fittingly, this was taken completely from a panel in Sandman’s debut, which was also recreated on the issue’s cover.
In both the movie and the comic, the unique nature of Sandman’s powers was showcased as Spider-Man’s attacks seemingly do not affect his malleable, shifting body. The visual of Spider-Man’s fist passing harmlessly through Sandman’s sandy torsoemphasized the challenge of fighting such a formidable and unconventional foe. By recreating this iconic comic moment,Spider-Man 3honored the source material, offering savvy viewers a thrilling, striking nod to the character’s origins while maintaining the film’s high-stakes action.
Spider-Man 3
Spider-Man 3 is the third entry in Sam Raimi’s trilogy, where Tobey Maguire reprises his role as Peter Parker. Released in 2007, the film sees Spider-Man confronting new adversaries, including Sandman and Venom, while grappling with personal challenges involving an alien symbiote and complex relationships.
4Spider-Man Wrestles The Symbiote Suit In A Bell Tower
The scene where Peter Parker used church bells to rid himself of the Symbiote suit inSpider-Man 3was an homage toWeb of Spider-Man#1. In the movie, Peter climbed to the top of a church tower, where the tolling bells generated powerful sonic vibrations. The Symbiote suit, vulnerable to the noise, began todetach painfully from Peter, who ripped the suit from his body.
Peter Parker underwent the same ordeal inWeb of Spider-Man#1, using the echoing church bells to drive the Symbiote from him. While comparably grueling,Spider-Man 3made the ordeal seem much more painful than the comic book counterpart. The scene also accentuated the original’s gothic setting, producing one of thefew effective sequences inSpider-Man 3. It created a visually striking and emotionally charged moment that arguably rivaled the beloved original.
3The Death Of Gwen Stacy
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
The adaptation of Gwen Stacy’s death inThe Amazing Spider-Man 2closely adapted the tragic elements of the storyline fromThe Amazing Spider-Man#122 that were not incorporated inSpider-Man(2002). In this film, Gwen fell inside a church tower where Spider-Man desperately attempted to save her by shooting a web to catch her. This adaptationfaithfully captured the ambiguity surrounding Gwen’s death, a critical aspect of the original story.
In both versions, it’s unclear whether Gwen died from the impact with the ground, the sudden snap as Spider-Man’s web catches her, or the sheer shock of the fall. This uncertainty added to the tragedy, emphasizing Spider-Man’s agonizing sense of failure and loss. Thevisual and emotional parallels between the film and the comic deepen the impactof this iconic moment, drawing similarities even as Spider-Man cradled Gwen’s dead body.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
The Amazing Spider-Man 2, released in 2014, continues Peter Parker’s journey as he balances life as Spider-Man and his relationship with Gwen Stacy. Facing new challenges, Peter encounters the formidable Electro and is reunited with Harry Osborn, while uncovering significant revelations about his past.
2Spider-Man Trapped Under Rubble
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
InSpider-Man: Homecoming, the scene where Spider-Man was trapped under rubble after confronting the Vulture was a direct reference toThe Amazing Spider-Man#33. In this comic, Spider-Man was similarly trapped beneath heavy debris after a battle with Doctor Octopus. Both scenes serve as pivotal moments for the hero,marking a renewed inner strength and resilience.
In the comic, Spider-Man used the dire situation to confront his grief over Uncle Ben’s death and to muster the strength to save Aunt May. This moment was crucial as it symbolized a revitalized sense of responsibility and determination in Peter Parker. InSpider-Man: Homecoming,this scene served a similar purpose. After Iron Man took back the updated Spider-Man suit, Peter Parker was trapped and desperate. Yet he channeled his inner strength, he was able to free himself,proving that his heroism didn’t stem from his suit but from his character.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Spider-Man: Homecoming follows Peter Parker after the events of Captain America: Civil War as he navigates high school challenges and battles the emergence of a new villain, the Vulture. With mentorship from Tony Stark, Peter strives to prove himself while balancing his responsibilities as Spider-Man and a student.
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1Thieves Wearing Avengers Masks
The memorable ATM robbery inSpider-Man: Homecoming,where the group of criminals wearing masks of the Avengers, wasinspired by a similar moment fromUltimate Spider-Man#42. The scene unfolded when Spider-Man confronted a group of foes robbing a nearby bank, wearing masks of Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, and Captain America. InUltimate Spider-Man, Spider-Man encountered thieves wearing masks of Captain America, Iron Man, and even DC’s Batman, as they attempted to rob a local business.
InHomecoming,Spider-Man quipped about the irony of robbers dressed as Earth’s mightiest heroes while engaging in a fast-paced battle to stop them. Both scenesused the contrast between the criminals' disguises and their actionsto create a blend of humor and tension. In both instances, it reinforcesSpider-Man’s role as the friendly neighborhood hero, balancing everyday crime-fighting with the challenges of teenage life.
