The record-breaking Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer finally revealed some of what we can expect from the much-anticipated third Tom Holland Spider-Man movie this Christmas. And it turns out what we can expect is a host of Spider-Man villains taking their first steps into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Villains such as Doctor Octopus, Green Goblin, Electro and maybe, just maybe, three others to round out the let’s-kill-Spider-Man club known as the Sinister Six. With all that weird intrigue in the mix, you might be enticed to go back and rematch some of the older Spider-Man movies from which these villains originated. Movies that feature Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield or even Jorma Taccone’s iterations of the friendly neighbourhood web-slinger. Also, who knows, we may see those guys swinging into the MCU thanks to its current obsession with the multiverse.
What better way to prepare than to ask the ultimate question. Who is the best Spiderman? Who are you going to call for when the world is being Fed-exed to hell in a hand cart?
How about Jorma Taccone? (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” 2018) No, not the fat guy from Nsync. Jorma Taccone voiced the 1967 version of Spider-Man during the end credits scene in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” Taccone, who is known best as a member of The Lonely Island and director of movies like “MacGruber” and “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping,” is the voice of the 1967 animated TV series version of Spider-Man, who appears in the end credits scene of “Into the Spider-Verse.” Spider-Man is hanging out in Earth-67 when from the sky comes Spider-Man 2099 (voiced by Oscar Isaac). The two get into a spat, pointing at one another, similar to the popular meme. It’s a funny bit, and Taccone pays a worthy tribute to Paul Soles, who voiced Spidey back in the 1967 series.
What about Andrew “I’m not in the new Spiderman movie, honest” Garfield (“The Amazing Spider-Man,” 2012; “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” 2014) Don’t get us wrong, Garfield is a great actor, but he kind of bit off more than he could chew with this iconic role. He didn’t get much help as the stories of both movies weren’t as strong as other Spidey films, but he also just wasn’t a good fit.
Like your Spidey mixed with a little Manga? Kimiko Glenn voiced Peni Parker in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” Peni Parker and her power suit SP//dr had a fantastic movie debut and the gentle voice of Kimiko Glenn was perfect casting. But what we never expected was the emotion we’d feel when watching her deal with the loss of her SP//dr in the movie. No, I’m not crying. My eyes are just a little sweaty today.
Every great work of art has two faces, one toward its own time and one toward the future, toward eternity. Nicolas Cage is that work of art. Human meme Nic Cage voices Spider-Man Noir in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” Spider-Man Noir is another character we’d love to see have their own show or movie. But it might be tough trying to fit it into Nicolas Cage’s already jam-packed schedule (he does release a movie every other week). Regardless, Cage as Noir is amazing thanks to the ol’ timey voice he gave the character.
Chris Pine (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” 2018) has this swagger that makes him perfect for the Spider-Man that dies in Miles Morales’ universe in “Into the Spider-Verse.” But then the montage of all the things his Spider-Man has pulled off (even the Christmas album) is perfect. If this is the only time Pine will play Spider-Man, he made the most of it.
How can you not love what Jake Johnson did as a Peter Parker in crisis in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”? Playing the Spider-Man who ends up in Miles Morales’ universe and helps him unleash his powers (though back in his world he’s washed up and has split with Mary Jane Watson), Johnson’s wit and sarcasm are perfect for a Spider-Man that needs to rediscover himself.
With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility. Tobey Maguire (“Spider-Man,” 2002; “Spider-Man 2,” 2004; “Spider-Man 3,” 2007) is the one that all the actors who play Spidey are trying to live up to (and a few have surpassed). Tobey Maguire, though in no way the right age for the role, still convinced all of us that he was Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the first big movie franchise of the character. It has since defined his career.
Then there’s Tom Holland (“Captain America: Civil War,” 2016; “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” 2017; “Avengers: Infinity War,” 2018; “Spider-Man: Far from Home,” 2019; “Avengers: Endgame,” 2019) It’s really hard to get much better than the latest actor to have played the live-action Spider-Man. Holland is the perfect age to play a believable teen Peter Parker. He’s great at the lighter stuff but can also nail the emotional gravitas when needed. When Tony Stark gives his own life to save the universe from Thanos’ wrath, he sits down and remains uncharacteristically silent as he slips into the light. He’s joined by his closest loved ones, and has heart-breaking final moments with each of them, including Pepper Potts and James Rhodes. Arguably the saddest is Peter Parker’s tearful farewell: “We won, Mr. Stark. We won. You did it, sir. You did it.”
Curse these sweaty eyes! Just don’t watch any interviews with him. Ever. He’ll ruin everything you love.
Shameik Moore (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” 2018) delivers an inspiring performance as Miles Morales in “Spider-Verse,” a movie with the momentum of a two-headed shark facing down a runaway grocery cart. Moore perfectly captures the roller-coaster ride to self-discovery that this origin story tells. Bring on the sequel, which is set for 2022!
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