The Subtle Influence of Uncle Ben in Spider-Man: Homecoming

Now that Homecoming is out, it's worth noting that Uncle Ben has been indirectly referenced in the film. While Uncle Ben himself does not appear, the deep impact of his legacy can be felt through Peter's words and actions. In a scene where Peter Parker shares his secret identity with Ned, we catch a glimpse of how Ben's death continues to affect May Parker, Peter's aunt. Peter's statement, "Don't tell May. I do not want to do that to her. I mean with everything that's happened with her," speaks volumes about the profound effect Uncle Ben's death has had on May. This scene is a subtle nod to the story that has been a cornerstone of Spider-Man’s character.

A Brief History of Uncle Ben in Spider-Man Films

Uncle Ben has appeared or been referenced in every film version of Spider-Man. In SAM (The Amazing Spider-Man) trilogy, Uncle Ben was portrayed by Cliff Robertson and Charlie Sheen in the Robert Zemeckis reboot. Both portrayals were emotionally impactful and taught the audience a key lesson: With great power comes great responsibility.

The original Peter Parker series directed by Sam Raimi introduced Uncle Ben as a caring figure, only to have him tragically killed by a robber during a confrontation with Peter Parker. His last words, With great power comes great responsibility, remain a defining moment in Spider-Man's journey.

The Reboot Struggle

Martian Sheen's effort in the reboot was well-received, and his portrayal of Uncle Ben added humor and depth to the character. Despite this, fans were already familiar with the story and preferred new adventures over retelling the Uncle Ben narrative. The Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer, however, does not mention Uncle Ben in any direct way. This absence has led to theories and discussions among fans.

Marvel's Approach to Uncle Ben in the MCU

Mixing tributes with modern storytelling, Marvel decided to use indirect references to Uncle Ben in Civil War. While the Uncle Ben storyline was not explicitly shown, it was referenced in a brief moment that left fans intrigued. This approach could serve as a blueprint for how Uncle Ben will be handled in Homecoming.

Uncle Ben's role may indeed exist in the MARVEL Cinematic Universe. In my interpretation, Peter Parker initially lives with Aunt May and Uncle Ben when he first becomes Spider-Man at the age of 14. Ben's tragic death at the hands of a mugger could have left a lasting impression on the relationship between Peter and May, who would often reminisce about him while moving on. It is possible that a subtle reference to Uncle Ben might appear in Homecoming, with Peter and May sharing a touching scene discussing Ben. However, it's unlikely that the scene will revisit the actual death, as fans are more interested in new stories.

Spider-Man has faced a similar issue with his origin story, much like Batman. Fans are tired of recounting these tragic backstories and seek more contemporary narratives. Marvel acknowledges this by focusing on the present while integrating subtle nods to the past, ensuring both nostalgia and fresh content.

Whether Uncle Ben appears on screen or not in Homecoming, his legacy will undoubtedly be felt through Peter's actions and the depth of his relationships. Marvel's approach carefully balances nostalgia with the need for new, engaging content, steering away from repetitive storytelling that can bore even the most loyal fans.