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Unpopular Opinions on MCU Spider-Man’s Arc and His Mentorship

March 02, 2025Film1388
Introduction Spider-Man has taken the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

Introduction

Spider-Man has taken the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) by storm, revolutionizing the action genre and capturing the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. However, not every aspect of his character and story arcs has received universal acclaim. In this article, I will share an unpopular opinion about the mentorship angle in between Iron Man and Spider-Man, and address the prevailing debate about his identity secrecy. Read on to find out more.

The Mentorship Angle in MCU

One of the most discussed aspects of Spider-Man’s character is the mentorship angle with Iron Man. While it is undeniably present in the comics, the movie adaptation decidedly missed the mark. In the films, Tony Stark’s role as a mentor sometimes felt more like a supervisory position, leading to a sense that Spider-Man was always playing a secondary role. This impression, while perhaps unintentional, does little to enrich the depth of their relationship.

In the comic books, Tony Stark and Peter Parker have a more balanced dynamic. They navigate their professional and personal lives with a mutual respect and a genuine partnership. Their mentorship is a source of strength for both characters, but the adaptation of this arc into the MCU fell short of this ideal. It’s a missed opportunity to create a more compelling and natural arc for both characters.

Peter Parker’s Identity Secrecy

Another contentious point is Peter Parker’s decision to keep his identity a secret. His justification for this secrecy has always been grounded purely in avoiding his mother’s anxiety and fears, which is a legitimate concern, but it is also not the only reason. As we saw in Spider-Man: Homecoming, Peter’s secret gets out nonetheless, making the whole facade redundant.

The argument for lifting the veil on Peter’s identity is multifaceted. First, it would eliminate his school problems, such as bullying, and potentially open up a world of opportunities that would allow him to grow and thrive. Witnessing Tony Stark’s success after openly sharing his identity could have inspired Peter to do the same. After all, as shown in Iron Man 2008, the public endorsement brought Iron Man unprecedented popularity and success, boosting his company to new heights.

Conclusion

While Spider-Man continues to be a beloved and integral part of the MCU, these aspects of his character feel like missed opportunities to explore a more nuanced and comprehensive narrative. It’s important for future storytelling to focus on creating a more balanced and dynamic relationship between Iron Man and Spider-Man, and to take a more proactive approach to Peter Parker’s identity. Only then can the true potential of their characters be realized.

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