Spider-Manis the biggest Marvel superhero out there, it’s always been that way, and proof of that is the fact that Peter Parker has been treated to three different movie saga adaptations, albeit eachSpider-Manuniverse having its own charm and unique personality for Peter.
Although Marvel Studios opted to skip past Tom Holland’s origin story to bring him over to the MCU, the plannedSpider-Man: Freshman Yearwill take care of delivering that for a man who already feels like the youngest iteration of the character. However, this is a tricky matter as even though every single movieSpider-Manhas technically been a high-schooler, Holland’s age when cast in the role has been a determining factor in the general vibe and tone the movies give off.
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Holland was 20 whenSpider-Man: Homecomingstarted filming, with his Peter intended to be 15 years old, and though that may not be much of a difference, both Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, 26 and 27 respectively, were old enough for it to have an impact on the film. This is especially true for Maguire, whose boyish looks did make him feel younger than he really was at times, but whose longer stint as Spider-Man put him in more “adult” situations.
After all, Maguire’s Parker graduates high school in the first film, unlike Garfield who startsThe Amazing Spider-Man 2leaving high school, or Holland whose films are still very much teenage movies. This is evident in several aspects, for example, Maguire being more of a caretaker for his Aunt May, while the other two Spider-Men are the ones taken care of by her most of the time.
With that bigger jump into adulthood, Maguire’s Spider-Man learns some very important lessons: his relationship with Mary Jane tumbles as he can’t handle his dual identity; he gets his first real job at The Daily Bugle; he witnesses the deaths of people who are close to him, like Harry; he’s ready to propose to MJ; he meets Gwen Stacy as a potential love interest; he forgives the man who killed his Uncle Ben.Maguire’s Spider-Man, just like the actor, is simply more complex because he was given the chance to develop more as a character.
While it’s true thatSpider-Man 3was a weaker convoluted entry in Sam Raimi’s trilogy, the fact that there were plans fora fourth movie introducing characters like the VultureandFelicia Hardyspeaks of a film saga that was willing to let Spider-Man grow up. Add the benefit that Raimi’s movies were not tied to the media juggernaut that is the MCU, and it’s easy to see why Maguire was such a different kind of hero.
Considering the endless wave of rumors aroundNo Way Homeand the possible involvement of Maguire and Garfield to help Holland fight off all the returning villains, it begs to say that the older Spider-Men might have something else to offer MCU Peter rather than just pure brute strength. The concept wouldn’t be that far off fromwhatInto the Spider-Versedid three years agoby having a divorced Peter Parker be sort of a flawed mentor for the young Miles Morales.
All things considered, the setup would actually be perfect for Holland’s Spider-Man who’s still supposed to be struggling to cope with the death of Tony Stark, a father figure of sorts for the young Peter. Even more so,No Way Home’strailer depicts the multiversal messcaused by Doctor Strange and Peter partly as consequence for the latter wanting to have things both ways, keep his identity secret from the world but not from the people close to him like MJ and Ned, which is exactly the kind of conundrum Maguire often found himself in.
Even if Maguire and Garfield show up, there’s no telling of how much screen time they would get or if they’d simply be used in a more fan service-y manner, not forgetting thatNo Way Homeis already pretty crowded as it is with five villains and a final potential Sinister Six member waiting to be revealed. Sure,Garfield’s Spider-Man also deserves some closurebut it’s Maguire who could really offer greater wisdom.
If all theNo Way Homeleaks are to be believed, then perhaps that shot of all three Spider-Men will have them sit down to talk over how their lives were blessed and burdened by the responsibility of being Peter Parker. In all likelihood,No Way Homewill be Holland’s final solo film as Spider-Man and the actor himself has said the movie feels like a real closing chapter, something the other two actors never really got.
Of course, since even Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock is rumored to show up inNo Way Home, there’s no shortage of people to share some wisdom with Peter, nevertheless, in the many multiverses out there, if there’s someone who can really grasp what Holland’s Spider-Man is feeling like Maguire.
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