Insomniac’s take on the Spider-Man franchise launched from a fresh and intriguing angle. Instead of rehashing the familiar origin story, Marvel’s Spider-Man dives into the life of Peter Parker eight years into his superhero journey. By this time, he’s already tangled with numerous foes, taken his share of hits, and gathered plenty of wisdom. This narrative leap allowed Insomniac to explore characters in Spider-Man’s universe that fans rarely encounter. Adding Miles Morales to the mix enriched the storyline further, presenting Peter in a guiding role.
However, it seems Peter Parker might be stepping back in this existing narrative framework. In Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Peter is seen taking a step back from his Spider-Man duties, handing the baton to Miles. What this spells for a potential Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 is anyone’s guess, but it opens exciting possibilities and perhaps draws inspiration from latest comic stories about Peter Parker’s path forward.
Over his 63-year history, Spider-Man has become almost synonymous with an unlucky streak, a phenomenon fans know as the “Parker Luck.” Just when life seems to be aligning for Peter, something inevitably throws things off balance—be it a mundane mishap or a high-stakes showdown with nemeses threatening his secret life.
Peter’s journey has often been marred by loss and sacrifice, obstructing his chances at genuine happiness. His past is riddled with heartbreaks like the tragic end of Gwen Stacy or the sacrifice of his marriage to MJ due to supernatural forces. The original Ultimate Spider-Man series even depicts Peter making the ultimate sacrifice as a teenager.
Yet, there’s a new chapter opening that hints at a different narrative outcome for Peter. Beginning in January 2024, the current Ultimate Spider-Man storyline by Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto allows Peter to finally enjoy a life he’s long deserved. This universe reshapes an old narrative—The Maker intercepts the radioactive spider before it can transform Peter.
In this storyline, we meet a middle-aged Peter Parker who has found happiness with his family—MJ and their children, Richard and May. Despite feeling an unfulfilled void, Peter is content. His life takes a turn when he’s given the opportunity to become Spider-Man once more, at 35. As of Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1, Peter balances his heroic duties with family life, offering a sense of fulfillment fans have long wished for him.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 has a chance to mirror this uplifting turn, providing Peter that elusive happy ending while leaving the action-packed heroics to Miles Morales and other aspiring Spider-People to safeguard the city.
