Since the release ofSpider-Manin 2002, Sony has consistently put outSpider-Manfilms over the course of two-plus decades, cashing in their rights toMarvel’s most iconic hero. The character has certainly seen its up and downs over those projects, withsomeSpider-Manfilms being better than others, but the character of Peter Parker has endured as a popular hero for a long time, even before he was ever brought into live-action. With theSpider-Man movie box officebeing one of the most considerable in the superhero genre, the character is set to remain a film fixture for some time to come.
One of the most interesting parts about the hero is that Spider-Man operates on a mostly strict moral compass. Much like DC’s Batman, this personal code makes both figures some of the best and most complex in comics, as the times they come close to breaking their own rules - or even outright crossing their boundaries - are significant moments for the characters, showing they aren’t always infallible. The firstlive-action Spider-Manto be seen in cinemas did just that, killing a villain despite prior adjustments to ensure he wasn’t shown doing so.
Prior to the release ofSpider-Manin 2002, Sony secured the rights to the character from Marvel as the comic book company was at risk of going bankrupt. That move has reverberated throughout over twenty years of comic book films, and Sony still holds the rights to Spider-Man, dictating how he will be portrayed on screen, even having one crucial rule that must be followed.
Marvel sold off film rights to a number of characters, which forced the MCU to use lesser-known heroes to kick off their universe until they were able to secure the rights.
In 1999, infamous producer Avi Avrad mentioned in an interview withVarietythat they had one golden rule for the character in their upcoming films:“Spider-Man never kills anybody.“It’s a simple enough rule and one that allows people to see the compassion and kindness Spider-Man embodies that makes him such an enduring character. Of course, when that rule is broken, or comes close to being broken, it makes things all the more impactful because of that ethos.
Spider-Man’s Early Script Saw Spider-Man Kill
Avi Avrad talking about Spider-Man having a no killing rule came up in response to the statement that an early script of theSpider-Manfilm saw a villain die at the hands of the character, with Avrad stating,“That we wouldn’t allow.”It is interesting that an early script of the film featured the character killing, and based on how Peter Parker was fleshed out throughout Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, having him not do that is easily the right choice.
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Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man is one of the most celebrated superhero performances ever, with a compelling narrative arc that spans four movies.
It’s unclear what villain Spider-Man was supposed to kill in that script. It could have been Norman Osborn as the Green Goblin, which then turned into Norman impaling himself with his glider instead of Peter doing it. Either way, this death is shown to have an impact on the hero that helps define his story moving forward, serving as a dark mirror of the ways Uncle Ben being killed towards the start of the movie affects the hero.
Spider-Man Only Killed Once On Purpose (& Made The Other Exception More Tragic)
Despite having the rule, Spider-Man’s character wasn’t infallible throughout Sam Raimi’s original trilogy, nor was he in later film iterations.There was one moment where Peter Parker did kill a villain in the trilogy, and that was the Venom symbiote. While Peter had pulled Eddie Brock out of the symbiote, Venom was still a living being, and Parker didn’t hesitate to do it. This results in Brock also dying when he jumps back into the symbiote in an attempt to save it.Spider-Man 3was a dark movie for Peter Parker, who also attempted to kill Sandman and Harry Osborn, but failed to do so.
When he actively tries to do the right thing and spare the villains he is fighting, Spider-Man tends to experience even more tragedy.
These moments had massive implications for the character and continued to shape him in different ways. When he actively tries to do the right thing and spare the villains he is fighting, Spider-Man tends to experience even more tragedy, as can be seen with the death of Gwen Stacy at the hands of Green Goblin inThe Amazing Spider-Man 2.
“With great powers, comes great responsibility"is an enduring statement and life lesson bestowed onto Peter duringSpider-Man, and something he constantly tried to live by throughout the course of Raimi’s trilogy, even when he didn’t want to anymore. Not killing squarely fits into that ideology, which makes the moments he does attempt to kill a villain even more impactful and terrifying.
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.
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.
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.
