The Mystery of Spider-Man: No Way Home: How the Green Goblin Retained Control

In the thrilling conclusion of Spider-Man: No Way Home, a pivotal scene left many fans in suspense: why didn't the Green Goblin take control of Norman Osborn after he smashed his helmet, only to reassert his dominance after Doctor Octopus was cured? Let's dive into the details to uncover the mystery.

Who Was Really in Control?

The truth is, Norman Osborn was never truly in control. The Green Goblin was orchestrating everything, including his interactions with Peter Parker. This can be seen when you closely observe the behavior of Norman Osborn.

In the film, Norman's actions and demeanor are markedly different from his portrayals in previous Spider-Man movies. When compared to the first Raimi Spider-Man, Norman acts like a cutthroat businessman who clearly doesn't appreciate being betrayed. However, when the Green Goblin takes over at the end of No Way Home, Norman's behavior changes dramatically. He behaves like a weak, whining, and scared child, as one would expect from the persona of the Green Goblin.

Understanding the Green Goblin's Strategy

The Green Goblin, or simply 'Goblin,' was using Norman Osborn's weakened state as a means to manipulate events to his advantage. The scene where Norman smashes his helmet may have initially deceived the audience into believing he was regaining control. This was, in fact, a ruse by the Green Goblin to throw the audience off balance and create chaos.

The laughter you hear after the helmet is smashed is

uncanny, as it reveals the true identity of the person controlling the situation. This laughter signals the Green Goblin's continued dominance and strategic planning.

Interpreting the End of the Film

When Doctor Octopus is cured of the Goblin's influence at the end of the film, Norman Osborn does not behave in the way one might expect. He is not scared, crying, or cowering in fear. Instead, he asks, "What have I done?" with a tone that is noticeably different from the Goblin's previous behavior.

This subtle change in Norman's demeanor and voice, coupled with his question, indicates that the Green Goblin was indeed still in control. His altered question serves as a reminder of his actions and consequences, possibly part of the Goblin's ongoing manipulation and psychological warfare.

Conclusion

The pivotal scene in Spider-Man: No Way Home is not just about Norman Osborn and Peter Parker, but a larger storyline orchestrated by the Green Goblin. The Green Goblin's strategy involved temporarily allowing Norman to take control to create a false sense of normalcy. This was followed by a definitive reassertion of his dominance after Doctor Octopus was cured, ensuring the Goblin's influence remained intact.

Norman Osborn's behavior in Spider-Man: No Way Home was not genuine: He merely served as a puppet for the Green Goblin's manipulation. The laughter after Norman smashes the helmet: This laughter reveals the true identity of the person in control and signifies the Green Goblin's ongoing strategic dominance. Norman's attitude after Doctor Octopus is cured: His question, "What have I done?" is a clear indication of the Green Goblin's continued control.

Understanding the role of the Green Goblin in Spider-Man: No Way Home provides insight into the complex narrative and the motivations of the main characters. This analysis sheds light on the intricacies of the cinematic universe, offering a deeper appreciation for the film's depth and complexity.