Norman Osborn in No Way Home: Exploring the Multiverse Explanation

The release of Spider-Man: No Way Home has sparked some intense debates and discussions among fans, particularly regarding the revival of Norman Osborn, aka the Green Goblin, who was believed to have died in Spider-Man 2002. The multiverse concept in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) allows for characters to exist simultaneously across different timelines, making the sudden appearance of a dead character a natural part of the narrative.

The Multiverse and Norman Osborn

The multiverse concept in comics and MCU drives the storyline of No Way Home. In at least one universe of the Marvel Comics 1610, the OZ formula that Norman Osborn subjects himself to modifies his genetic structure, making him an embodiment of a fire-powered Green Goblin. This formula can lead to unusual and unpredictable outcomes, especially when characters interact across different realities. While it's not explicitly stated that this would be the destiny of David Michie's version of Osborn in No Way Home, the multiverse allows for such possibilities without immediate resolution.

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Norman Osborn's survival in No Way Home can be attributed to the Multiverse's rules. In a world of heroes and villains, death is rarely the final stop. The Multiverse offers countless possibilities and alternate realities where characters can persist, even after their demise. This ensures that the MCU can introduce and reintroduce characters to meet the needs of the narrative, keeping fan favorites like Norman Osborn in the game. Similarly, the OZ formula in the 1610 universe makes Norman effectively immortal, as seen in various comic storylines. Even after his "final death," he returns, demonstrating the multiverse's ability to rewrite the past and offer new possibilities.

The Role of the OZ Formula

The OZ formula, which was used to modify a genetically modified spider (or 42), can have lasting effects. This formula is likely to keep Peter Parker alive for some time, offering a continuous narrative presence. In the broader context of the multiverse, the OZ formula represents a gateway to alternate realities, where characters can redefine their roles and destinies. The formula's impact on Norman Osborn in the 1610 universe might also have been responsible for his survival in No Way Home, albeit in a different form or reality.

Parallels with Other Multiverse Events

The resurrection of Norman Osborn is not an isolated event. The multiverse has precedent for reviving characters from other universes. For instance, the revival of Agatha Harkness and Doctor Strange in Multiverse of Madness showcases the multiverse's ability to bring forth characters from alternate realities. Moreover, the concept of inhabiting a dead body from another universe is not foreign to the multiverse. This adds an intriguing layer to Norman's survival, making the explanation complex and open to interpretation.

Mystery and Interpretation

Until a script or fan fic addresses this specific scenario, the exact reasons behind Norman Osborn's survival remain a mystery. Fans are left to indulge in speculation and analysis. The multiverse allows for endless possibilities, and while the MCU hasn't officially explained this event, it opens the door to multiple interpretations. Some theories suggest that the experiment with the OZ formula went awry, causing Norman's death in one reality while allowing him to survive in another.

From a psychological perspective, Norman could be in a psychiatric institute believing he's a former industrialist who's supposedly dead. Alternatively, he might have returned to a quiet life in a back alley, only to be rearrested and serve a prison sentence. His survival aligns with the theme of tragic heroes and second chances in the MCU, where villains often find another path to redemption or sustained conflict.

In conclusion, Norman Osborn's revival in Spider-Man: No Way Home is a direct result of the multiverse's narrative flexibility. The OZ formula and the rules of the multiverse provide a logical framework for his survival, ensuring he remains a significant plot point. As the MCU continues to explore and expand its multiverse, Norman Osborn's story will undoubtedly be an integral part of the narrative.