Sony’s Spider-Man Universe: The Missed Opportunities
Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, which has come to an end with the release of Kraven the Hunter, has had its fair share of standout moments, but it has also been marred by missed opportunities, particularly when it comes to its iconic characters. The franchise has introduced some classic Marvel characters, but has also squandered the potential of others.
One of the most notable missed opportunities is Morbius, the Living Vampire. The film adaptation had the potential to explore Michael Morbius’ transformation into a vampire, delving into his internal struggle between his monstrous urges and his desire to do good. Unfortunately, the movie settled for a generic superhero origin story, riddled with flat dialogue and unremarkable action sequences. Instead of leaning into the gothic atmosphere and psychological horror that defines the character, the movie failed to capitalize on its titular character’s rich history and unique horror elements.
Another character that was wasted is Carnage, one of Spider-Man’s most terrifying foes. In Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Woody Harrelson played the role of Cletus Kasady, aka Carnage, but the movie’s tonal inconsistencies and penchant for slapstick humor undermined his menace. The film’s rushed pacing and lack of depth in its portrayal of Carnage left audiences craving a darker, more intense portrayal of this iconic villain.
Calypso, a character with a rich history in the Spider-Man comics, was also reduced to a plot device in Kraven the Hunter. The movie introduced her as a love interest for Kraven, but failed to explore her backstory or motivations, leaving audiences with a shallow and underdeveloped character.
Despite these missed opportunities, the Spider-Man Universe has left a lasting impact on the world of Marvel, introducing new characters and storylines that will continue to influence the franchise in the years to come.
