TheSpider-Manfranchise is venturing into new waters through television. Nicolas Cage is currently set to reprise his Spider-Verse role as Spider-Man Noir in an upcoming TV show of the same name made for MGM+.The character’s hotly anticipated TV debuthas had fans curious as to which other Spider-Man variants are worthy of the live-action television treatment.
The movie trilogy only reveals a fraction of the variants that exist for Spider-Man across the Marvel Universe and (more appropriately) the multiverse. In the comics, there are55 versions of Spider-Manto choose from when it comes to figuring out which ones would be best suited for the small-screen proposal pitch.
10Spider-Punk is a New Fan-Favorite for Spider-Verse Fans
Giving The Show-Stealer His Own Show is a No-Brainer
If Spider-Man Noir was a standout ofInto the Spider-Verse, then Spider-Punk as voiced by Daniel Kaluuya was undoubtedly the standout of its sequel,Across the Spider-Verse. The Hobie Brown character, as well ashis friendship with Spider-Gwen, has become a favorite for fans, resulting in him getting his own comic miniseries after the movie’s release.
The next logical step for the character would be to give him a different kind of miniseries in televised form.The best way to capitalize on Spider-Punk’s growing popularity is to reward the movie-going audience who helped turn Spider-Punk into a household name. Give them a TV show to watch.
9Spider-Man 2099 Has Earned a Redemption Arc
From Antagonist to Protagonist
Another Spider-Man variant who stood out to fans was the movie’s complex antagonist, Miguel O’Hara, the Spider-Man of 2099. Although he served as an obstacle in Miles Morales' way, he’s no villain, as even his most heinous actions can be justified. That’s typically how Miguel’s story goes in the comics.
He’s a complicated indiviidual, but ultimately, he always wants to do the right thing without going too far. That’s the perfect kind of protagonist to follow for a hero’s journey, especially one that’s a direct companion piece to the Spider-Verse franchise. It could be the opportunity to give Miguel the redemption arc he deserves.
8Spider-Ham Can Bring Spider-Man Back into a Comedic Realm
Spidey Content Has Been Too Serious Over the Years
In recent years, Spider-Man has become a little too serious. He’s still lighthearted and wholesome, but stories for the character both onscreen and on-panel seem to prioritize high-stakes drama over comedy. There was a time whenSpider-Man didn’t just crack jokes, but was the center of funny, kid-friendly storylines. The kid-friendly aspect is sorely missing from Spider-Man.
Thankfully, Spider-Man could be the franchise’s gateway back into more comedic storytelling. Spider-Ham is more of a glorified spin on Looney Tunes than of Spider-Man. That isn’t a knock on the character, but instead, it’s what makes the character so fun to watch. Spider-Ham is tailor-made for television, maybe even bringing Spidey back into the Saturday Morning Cartoon block.
7Put Some Respect On Ben Reilly’s Name
Scarlet Spider-Man Could Be Redeemed Onscreen
Ben Reilly may not be a full-blown alternate reality variant of Spider-Man’s, but he is a pivotal clone in 616 Peter’s life in the main Marvel canon.Unfortunately, Ben Reilly doesn’t seem to get any respect in any medium. It’s bad enough that his current line of comics continues tofumble the Scarlet Spider.
When portrayed onscreen forAcross the Spider-Verse, Sony made Ben Reilly look outright embarrassing. It’s tough being a Ben Reilly fan, but it doesn’t have to be. The one medium he has yet to be humiliated completely on is television. A television series starring Ben might be the redemption he needs to give him a shred of his dignity back.
6SP//dr Presents a Unique Spider Variant
The Anime/Manga Influence Seems Timely
Peni Parker and her SP//dr mech suit makes an appearance in theSpider-Versemovies, voiced by Kimiko Glenn, while she also resurfaces in theMarvel Rivalsvideo game.Before the movies, Peni Parker was one of the more obscure Spider variants, but now, she ranks among the most beloved and cherished.
It helps that her design and concept are largely inspired by manga and anime, both of which are immensely popular today. If Marvel ever decides to give Peni and her trusty robot a bigger spotlight onscreen, it would be smart to adapt her show as an actual anime. It’d be befitting of the source material whilst appealing to anime lovers.
5Spider-Gwen Has Yet to Conquer the Television Screen
That Should Be Her Next Stop
While most fans are weary of how often Marvel revisits Gwen Stacy, those same fans can’t get enough of her Spider-branded counterpart, the Ghost Spider (often nicknamed Spider-Gwen for short). A big reason why Spider-Gwen was shipped to Earth-616and replaced Gwen Stacyas the official Gwen is because people love Spider-Gwen that much.
Much of that love extends from the Spider-Verse franchise, but the comics have done an ample job of winning audiences over as well.With comics and movie audiences adoring Spider-Gwen, the one realm that the Ghost Spider has yet to make a statement in is television. Given her track record, she’s destined to find similar success on TV.
4Mayday Parker Could Stop Mephisto’s Reign of Terror
Spider-Girl Could Justify a Controversial Storyline
“One More Day” remains themost hated and controversial storyin Spider-Man history, but what’s often overlooked is the key purpose it holds. Years after the fact, it’s revealed that Mephisto wanted to nullify Peter and Mary-Jane Watson’s marriage so that they never give birth to May “Mayday” Parker, the Spdier-Girl destined to stop his worldwide takeover in the future.
It’s a shocking twist that gives new meaning to a villified comic angle, but has yet to be addressed since the reveal. That being said, some stories have peeked inside an alternate reality where Mayday is born as the hero she’s destined to be. There’s no reason why a TV show can’t further explore this caveat.
3The Superior Spider-Man Represents One of the Best Spidey Stories
A Questionable Variant with an Undeniable Story to Tell
Some will argue against the Superior Spider-Man counting as a Spider-Man variant, since he’s born as a result of Dr. Otto Octavius switching bodies with Peter Parker in Earth-616. Regardless of the circumstances, Doc Ock’s Superior Spider-Man still had his presence known in a leading position as a part of the original Spider-Verse comics arc. Ergo, he counts.
With that said, whether he counts or not, “Superior Spider-Man” made for some of the most riveting Spider-Man storytelling to arrive in recent memory.Despite nearly being canceled, it remains one of the best Spider-Man stories ever produced. That should be reason enough to consider it for an adaptation of any kind.
2Japanese Spider-Man Makes for Perfect Remake Material
The Best Way to Honor Takuya Yamashiro’s Legacy
The name Takuya Yamashiro may not ring any bells, but he’s better remembered by fans as the Japanese Spider-Man (or Toei Spider-Man) of Earth-51778. First airing in 1978, this Spidey represents one of the first live-action Spider-Man adaptations, a TV show. The series gained a life of its own, thanks largely to its mecha influences.
Keeping in mind the modern advancements in CGI and technology, the Toei Spider-Man might be ripe for a reboot. Remaking any property is a controversial subject, but Japanese Spider-Man might be a good choice, not to mention a good way to ensure that the legacy of Takuya Yamashiro is not forgotten among fans.
1A Live-Action Miles Morales is Delayed, But Still Inevitable
THe Ultimate Spider-Man Will Come to the MCU One Day
It’s been confirmed that Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios have been warned tostay away from Miles Moralesuntil theSpider-Versetrilogy is complete. While that does substantially delay the possibility of a live-action spin-off by at least a couple of years, it proves that the potential isn’t gone completely.
Even before theSpider-Versetrilogy began, the comics ensured that Miles Morales becamethe most popular Spider-Man not named Peter Parker. The animated movies merely boosted his stock, but with a television or movie adaptation in live-action form, Miles has potential to surpass Peter as the most popularSpider-Manin due time.
