Insomniac’s intriguing take on the Spider-Man franchise began from a refreshingly different angle. Instead of revisiting the familiar tale of how Peter Parker dons the Spidey suit for the first time, Marvel’s Spider-Man starts us off eight years into the seasoned superhero’s journey. By this time, Peter has already faced off against numerous enemies, taken his fair share of hits, and picked up a few life lessons along the way. This narrative choice allowed Insomniac to explore parts of Spider-Man’s world not often highlighted in previous adaptations. Additionally, bringing Miles Morales into the mix was a clever move, positioning Peter as a mentor, which adds depth to the storyline and provides a fresh perspective on Spider-Man’s universe.
Yet, we might be witnessing the twilight of Peter’s epic saga in Insomniac’s series. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 leaves us with a cliffhanger of sorts, with Peter deciding to step back and let Miles take over the Spider-Man duties. It sets the stage for a potential Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 where this transition continues, possibly drawing inspiration from a recent comic storyline that charts an intriguing future for Peter Parker.
Peter Parker, as fans know, seldom enjoys a peaceful resolution. Across the decades, he’s been dogged by what’s known as the “Parker Luck.” Just when things seem steady in Peter’s life, chaos inevitably strikes. It ranges from small inconveniences like running out of web-fluid to catastrophic events like his secret identity being exposed. This pattern of misfortune ensures that Peter’s life never settles into true happiness. Whether it’s the tragic loss of Gwen Stacy, the dissolution of his marriage with MJ through a deal with Mephisto, or his tragic sacrifice in the Ultimate Spider-Man comics as a teenager, Peter’s storylines are fraught with loss.
However, the latest developments in the Ultimate Universe suggest a potential turning point. Starting from January 2024, thanks to the creative collaboration of Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto, Peter finally finds himself living the fulfilling life he’s so often been denied. The Ultimate Invasion storyline reshapes the Marvel landscape, preventing many heroes from gaining their powers. One of those heroes is none other than Peter Parker, whose encounter with destiny is intercepted.
In this new chapter, we meet a 35-year-old Peter. He’s happily settled, with MJ as his wife and two children, Richard and May. While there’s contentment in his domestic life, Peter feels a lingering sense of missing out on a greater calling. This changes when he’s offered the chance to experience the critical spider bite of his youth. Seizing the opportunity, Peter returns as Spider-Man at 35. In the first volume of this Ultimate series, Peter finally embodies the balanced life fans have long envisioned for him—married, with children, and a renewed sense of purpose, albeit with fresh challenges.
For Marvel’s Spider-Man 3, taking cues from this latest saga might just be the right direction. Allowing Peter to find the happiness he deserves, while letting Miles and other Spider-heroes safeguard the city, could offer fans the satisfying arc they’ve hoped for.
