Spider-Man 4: Why a Grounded Story Beats a Cosmic Adventure
With Spider-Man 4 on the horizon, fans are divided over what direction Tom Holland’s next outing as the iconic web-slinger should take. Rumors suggest a cosmic adventure featuring Knull or a more grounded, street-level story involving Daredevil and Kingpin. While both approaches have their appeal, here’s why Marvel Studios and Sony should focus on keeping Spider-Man 4 closer to home.
The MCU’s Multiverse Saga has drawn mixed reactions, with many feeling overwhelmed by its complexity and underwhelmed by its execution. While Spider-Man: No Way Home used the Multiverse to great success, returning to it in Spider-Man 4 might feel redundant or forced.
A rumored storyline involving Knull, the cosmic deity tied to the Symbiotes, would risk pushing Peter Parker into a realm that strays far from the character’s core appeal. The grounded, relatable nature of Spider-Man is what makes him beloved; his struggles with everyday life as Peter Parker resonate deeply with audiences.
Additionally, introducing another grand-scale cosmic villain could dilute the unique emotional weight and personal stakes that have defined the character’s best MCU moments.
Spider-Man 4 has the potential to return Peter Parker to his roots as a “friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.” Here’s why this approach makes sense:
A Fresh Start: After No Way Home, Peter is living a solitary life, disconnected from his loved ones. A grounded story would allow audiences to explore how he rebuilds his life while embracing his identity as Spider-Man.
Team-Up Potential: Rumors suggest Daredevil (Charlie Cox) and possibly even The Punisher (Jon Bernthal) could join the story. A collaboration between Spider-Man and these street-level heroes would create a gritty, character-driven narrative that contrasts nicely with the MCU’s larger-than-life spectacles.
Classic Villains: With Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin already established in the MCU, he’s a natural choice as the primary antagonist. His ruthless schemes and criminal empire would provide Peter with a formidable challenge while keeping the stakes personal and urban.
Symbiotes and Subtle Cosmic Elements
That’s not to say Spider-Man 4 should completely ignore cosmic elements. The mid-credits scene in No Way Home left a piece of Venom’s symbiote in the MCU. This thread can be explored subtly, setting the stage for Peter to grapple with the darker aspects of his personality as he dons the iconic black suit.
If handled carefully, the symbiote storyline could bridge the grounded narrative with broader MCU connections without overwhelming the film. Daredevil, for instance, could serve as a mentor, helping Peter navigate the challenges of the symbiote’s influence.
A Return to Core Values
By focusing on a grounded story, Spider-Man 4 can emphasize Peter Parker’s resilience, resourcefulness, and heart—qualities that have made him an enduring symbol of hope. Whether he’s swinging through New York’s skyscrapers or teaming up with Daredevil to take down Kingpin, this is the perfect opportunity to remind audiences why Spider-Man is the ultimate neighborhood hero.
What’s Next for Spider-Man?
With Spider-Man 4 rumored to release after Avengers: Doomsday, the film could act as a narrative palate cleanser for audiences who’ve endured the Multiverse’s complexities. Whether Marvel opts for grounded storytelling or cosmic grandeur, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see Tom Holland’s Peter Parker web-slinging his way into a new chapter.
What do you think? Should Spider-Man stay grounded, or is it time for another cosmic adventure?
