Madame Web faced a setback on its journey to success as it failed to captivate audiences despite a star-studded cast featuring Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Emma Roberts, and Adam Scott. Directed by SJ Clarkson, the movie turned out to be a box office disaster, receiving criticism from both Marvel fans and critics alike. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a paltry 12% on its Tomatometer, painting a bleak picture of its reception among viewers.
Interestingly, there was a missed opportunity that could have potentially turned the tide for Madame Web. Concept artist Sebastian Meyer revealed that there were plans for a cameo by none other than the ‘Friendly Neighbourhood’ Spider-Man, portrayed by Tom Holland. These scrapped scenes, unveiled on April 3, showcased Spider-Man in action, clad in a suit reminiscent of Holland’s portrayal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The concept art depicted Spider-Man engaging in a face-off with the antagonist Ezekiel Sims, a significant villain in Madame Web’s storyline. Another scene captured the characters in a high-octane action sequence atop a building, possibly plummeting through the sky in a thrilling moment.
While the film did not establish a direct link with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man character, there were clear connections woven into the narrative. Holland’s enduring legacy as the web-slinger in the Marvel universe, coupled with his massive commercial success in the role, could have added a layer of appeal to Madame Web. His charismatic portrayal and command over the character might have bolstered the movie’s prospects at the box office, potentially resonating well with audiences.In the narrative, Peter Parker’s name is cleverly left unsaid, yet subtle connections are hinted at through Emma Roberts portraying a pregnant Mary Parker, believed to be Peter’s mother, and Adam Scott in the role of Uncle Ben. The absence of explicit mention adds an intriguing layer of mystery for fans to decipher.
To bring Tom over to this alternate reality, the storyline may involve time travel from his Earth 616 trajectory or a leap across the multiverse. However, these scenarios remained as mere possibilities, leaving fans speculating about the actual plot developments.
Director SJ Clarkson has skillfully side-stepped inquiries regarding a potential Spider-Man appearance in Madame Web, opting instead to offer cryptic hints about the character’s origins within the extensive Spider-Verse comics lore. Emphasizing the distinct identity of her titular heroine, Clarkson mentions that while Madame Web is rooted in that universe, she is a unique creation in her own right.
Official involvement from Marvel Studios in Tom Holland’s upcoming Spider-Man 4 project is yet to be confirmed, with rumors circulating about filming commencing in the fall. Among the contenders for directing duties, Justin Lin, known for his work on the Fast and Furious franchise, stands out as a strong possibility, stirring anticipation among fans for the next installment in the Spider-Man saga.
