Spider-Man: No Way Home is nothing short of a phenomenon. The movie has broken numerous records, even passing the billion-dollar mark in the midst of a pandemic. The excitement over the film has even pushed past web-slinger films to the top of streaming lists. On the critical side, Sony is engaging in an Oscar campaign for the film, pushing for it in all categories, including the highest honor of Best Picture
The success of No Way Home has fans talking about the possible futures of Spider-Men past. The Multiversal focus of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness makes an appearance by Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield entirely possible, especially with the director of the original Spider-Man trilogy, Sam Raimi, at the helm.
Outside of the MCU, fans have been clamoring for a third entry in the Amazing series, with Garfield's work in No Way Home showing how well he fits in the role. Comments from those at Marvel have only fanned these flames, with the screenwriters on the newest Spider-Man film joking around about the possibility of Maguire and Garfield returning once again.
Though Spider-Man: No Way Home has its share of fan-service touches, it still manages to deliver deeply emotional moments. For example, Spider-Man and MJ actors Tom Holland and Zendaya recently spoke out about the heartbreaking conclusion of the film, sharing the happy endings they had hoped for.
The stars also recently spoke out about another tragic moment in the movie...
Holland and Zendaya Talk [SPOILERS]’ Death
Warning - This article contains spoilers for Spider-Man: No Way Home
In a recent interview with Marvel.com, Spider-Man: No Way Home stars Tom Holland and Zendaya touched on Aunt May's heartbreaking death in the film. Speaking to the crushing nature of the moment, Holland remarked that the Peter-May relationship was "integral to the heart and soul of the story."
"The relationship between Peter and May throughout these films has been really integral to the heart and soul of the story. This scene kind of seemingly comes out of the blue, like no one expects this to happen. It's going to be really, really hard hitting for people [seeing the] movie."
In discussing this scene, Zendaya made sure to point out the importance of May to Peter's journey, noting that "She doesn't get the credit she deserves."
"[May’s] a great role model. She's raised a lovely young man, and she's done it on her own. She doesn't get the credit she deserves. It's important to acknowledge May in the respect that everybody is like, ‘Oh, he always has to have a mentor,’ All these father figures and all this stuff. But May has raised him. Shoutout to May!"
Holland made sure to chip in on this point, throwing out a "shoutout to May!"
Aunt May’s Impact on Spider-Man: No Way Home
Though it may already be clear to audiences, Holland and Zendaya's comments hammer home Aunt May's importance to the story of No Way Home. Marisa Tomei's May played a key role in the film, helping to form Peter's moral code and giving him the strength to carry on. In many ways, May's journey has made her the Uncle Ben of the MCU, even delivering what are often his famous final words.
Holland and Zendaya's comments help to illuminate a few other things, however. The MCU's Spider-Man is often seen as a recipient of a great deal of mentorship. However, as Zendaya says, May is often forgotten when fans think through Spidey's list of "father figures." Without an Uncle Ben in this universe (or at least one that audiences have seen), May is the one responsible for shaping Peter into the man he is, even when he first put on the costume.
Holland also touches on how important May has been to the entirety of Spider-Man's journey. Even in the first two films, May played a key role, helping Peter through his moments of emotional turmoil, giving him something to fight for, and, upon learning his identity, making sure he did the right thing.
Though Holland's Spider-Man will likely return to the silver screen, the loss of his Aunt May is something that has already changed the character irrevocably.
PLAYSTATION Writer
