SPOILER WARNING!!

The newest Spider-Man movie, “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” has had a successful time in theaters. Unsurprisingly, the action film was able to accumulate over $880.2 million dollars at the box office. 

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” is a Marvel comics-based film that premiered in theaters on Dec. 17, 2021. Movie stars Tom Holland, Jacob Batalon and Zendaya returned for the film, with the addition of Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Steven Strange. 

It is the third installment of Marvel’s Spider-Man, after “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “Spider-Man: Far From Home.” The new film continues after the last movie’s mid-credit scene, in which Spider-Man’s identity is revealed to the world.

Unlike previous films, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” features several well-known characters who were previously unfamiliar in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sony and Marvel Studios teamed up in making a film to star all three of the Spider-Mans and their villains. 

With that being said, what did our fellow Wildcats think of the movie?

West Ranch sophomore Esther Jinny Pack said, “Being able to see all the Spider-Mans coming together was a highlight and a really iconic moment in my opinion. The three Spider-Mans all being in one universe and one place fighting together made the movie unique.”

Hitting Way Home

One of the main factors that set “Spider-Man: No Way Home” apart from prior Spider-Man movies was the plot twist of including all three Peter Parkers. Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield mainly accompanied Tom Holland in the climax of the movie, working together to cure and successfully send each villain home. Fans were astonished to watch all three Spider-Mans swing their webs together, and some even felt shocked as Maguire and Garfield had denied appearances in the movie. 

Sophomore Danielle Kay, who saw the movie in theaters, expressed, “It’s always been a fan’s dream to see all three Spider-Mans on screen together; it seemed impossible. But seeing them totally shocked me, it was completely unexpected.”

Fans loved the immense amount of banter between the three Spider-Mans, and the numerous references to previous movies such as “The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)” and “Spider-Man (2002)”. 

West Ranch Sophomore and marvel fan Amelie Mendoza said, “I grew up with the two others, and I loved this new one with Tom Holland. Being able to see all three together even made me feel a bit nostalgic. The best parts were their interactions and all the references for sure.” 

Evidently, it’s no surprise that West Ranch felt homesick as they watched the films, seeing their childhood superheroes team up with current ones. 

Who is Peter Parker?

Tom Holland’s Spider-Man is faced with the ultimate challenge of choice: himself or the world? As the multiverse bursts at the seams, he asks Doctor Strange to cast another spell, but this time, the whole universe will forget who Peter Parker is. 

Siddharth Sudan, a junior at West Ranch, commented, “It was a selfless act that perfectly summarized who Spider-Man is and what he stands for.” 

Apart from the storyline, Disney’s contract regarding the rights of Spider-Man expires this year, leaving the future of this character in the hands of Sony. 

“I think by erasing everyone’s memories of Spider-Man’s identity, Marvel felt a control in his narrative within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I’m curious to see what Sony does with Spider-Man given this new film,” Sudan added. 

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility 

With the ending of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” fans hope to see Tom Holland and many other beloved actors return for a fourth film. On the other hand, with the return of Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man, there is also hope for a third film in “The Amazing Spider-Man” franchise. 

In the meantime, Marvel’s “Doctor Strange: The Multiverse of Madness” will premiere May 6, 2022, introducing new characters into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Additionally, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One)” is on everyone’s watchlist this year, scheduled to release on October 7th, 2022. Watch “Spider-Man: No Way Home” in select theaters today!