Sony actually missed the mark with the live-action choices of its SSU (Sony’s Spider-Man Universe), with releases corresponding to Madame Net and Kraven the Hunter epically flopping on the field workplace — the 2 are in all probability the largest flops within the MCU-adjacent franchise. Even Morbius and Ant-Man and Wasp: Quantumania individually outperformed these two financially. However, with that stated, the Spider-Man IP isn’t utterly misplaced as a result of Sony struck gold with its Spider-Verse sequence of movies, that are hailed as a number of the finest Spider-Man motion pictures in existence.
It started with 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which launched broader audiences to Miles Morales, the third predominant Spider-Man that debuted in Final Fallout #4 in 2011. Being a half-Black, half-Latino child from Brooklyn, Miles introduced much-needed range to the Spider-Man franchise, and his comedian e book success truly paved the way in which for his starring function within the aforementioned 2018 animated film. Nevertheless, the film didn’t simply adapt Miles’ story; it additionally celebrated the concept of a number of Spider-Folks throughout completely different dimensions.
Into the Spider-Verse was a large success for Sony, overshadowed solely by its sequel, Spider-Man: Throughout the Spider-Verse, which ended with a large cliffhanger for the followers. Now, speculations surrounding the third Spider-Verse movie, Spider-Man: Past the Spider-Verse, recommend a darkish and emotionally charged conclusion to the trilogy, leaving the followers bracing for an unforgettable finale. These recommendations have been strengthened by actor Brian Tyree Henry, the voice of Jefferson Morales, who teased a tear-jerking end by saying that the ending gained’t “wrap up in a pleasant little bow.”
One of the crucial important causes followers anticipate a darker conclusion of the trilogy lies within the idea of “canon occasions,” which was launched in Throughout the Spider-Verse. Canon occasions are pivotal moments that outline each Spider-Particular person’s journey: normally the loss of life of a liked one. We noticed this going down within the motion pictures. Peter misplaced Uncle Ben in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, he misplaced Gwen Stacy in Marc Webb’s The Superb Spider-Man 2, and Aunt Might in MCU’s Spider-Man: No Approach Residence. An identical factor is now speculated to occur to Miles.
The introduction of canon occasions strengthened the concept that struggling is an unavoidable a part of being a Spider-Particular person. Nevertheless, Miles refuses to just accept his supposed future, which units him other than different Spider-Folks, who ultimately come to phrases with their losses. As we discovered from earlier movies, it is a recipe for catastrophe, as his dedication to forestall his personal canon occasion and save his father from a pre-destined demise pits Miles towards different Spider-Folks who imagine that his resistance may result in the collapse of the multiverse.
The concept that Miles might should battle a battle he can’t probably win (or would possibly win at insufferable prices) additional strengthened the concept that the movie’s ending could be a grim one. We are able to additionally issue within the cliffhanger, which sees Miles transported to Earth-42, the place his father is already lifeless, there’s no Spider-Man, and he meets a reasonably attention-grabbing model of the Prowler. We gained’t dive too deep into this explicit level to keep away from spoiling the film for individuals who haven’t seen it but.
Past the quick risks that Miles faces in Earth-42, there’s additionally a looming risk of the Spot, a villain who developed from being a comedic nuisance right into a reasonably formidable pressure. Not solely has his vendetta towards our protagonist grown more and more private, however his skills have reached some extent the place he’s additionally an existential risk to the multiverse. If the Spot’s actions end in a tragic occasion, just like the loss of life of a liked one, the occasion will construct on the concept that Miles, like each different Spider-Man, should endure ache and struggling.
That is all hypothesis based mostly on what we’ve seen from earlier movies and what has been hinted to us by these concerned of their making. Nevertheless, suppose you throw a coin sufficient instances. Suppose sooner or later, it lands on its edge. Whereas the concept of Miles shedding somebody he cares for (both his father or Gwen) remains to be on the desk, there’s additionally a chance for Spider-Man to succumb to tragedy himself. Regardless of his defiance within the face of destiny, Miles additionally learns that he’s the “unsuitable” Spider-Man, as he was by no means speculated to obtain spider-powers in his universe.
This might be the coin’s edge: Miles sacrificing himself to revive the multiverse because it was earlier than he turned Spider-Man. That is purely hypothesis, however the group behind the Spider-Verse motion pictures by no means shy from emotional storytelling, so it’s not exterior the realm of potentialities for them to ship a conclusion that subverts all expectations. The primary film balances heartbreaking loss with an uplifting message; the second doubles down on that theme by emphasizing the ache related to being a hero.
So, if Past the Spider-Verse continues this trajectory, it’s not unreasonable for Miles’ journey to come back to an finish at a reasonably excessive emotional value for the hero, the viewers, or each. Whether or not by the sacrifice or loss of life of a liked one, a private transformation, and even self-sacrifice, every part factors in direction of a conclusion that can go away a long-lasting influence. Given the secrecy surrounding the film, it’s greater than seemingly that its ending will blindside everybody.