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The gift that had Spider-Man fans enamored with every development finally arrived in the midst of the holidays: Spider-Man: No Way Home, a multiversal escapade capping off an inventive trilogy headed by Tom Holland as the web-slinger. The film has proven successful, in large part due to its endless barrage of adoration for the titular character.
No matter the viewer’s age or generation, there is a nod or wink to the most famous (and infamous) cinematic Spidey moments. It is a celebration of the character very much in line with how Avengers: Endgame treated its titular ensemble. The film is littered with homage and teases some possible future developments.
** Major spoilers for Spider-Man: No Way Home follow **
10 The MCU Teases Miles Morales Again
No Way Home contains the second reference to the existence of Miles Morales, the character brought to prominence following the success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Electro is cured by Doctor Octopus during his battle with the Spider-Men. He subsequently talks to his respective Spider-Man in a chat where he muses about a Black Spider-Man existing somewhere.
It’s a lighthearted moment after the intense battle preceding it and gives hope to those holding out for Miles’ live-action debut. The first time the MCU referenced him was back in Spider-Man: Homecoming when his uncle (played by Donald Glover of Ultimate Spider-Man) remarked that he has a nephew after encountering the titular hero.
9 Green Goblin No More
Willem Dafoe returns to the role of Norman Osborn/Green Goblin and it’s simply glorious to behold. The veteran actor proves he hasn’t lost a step in his grasp of what makes the character tick and the film allows him to revisit several iconic moments from his past outings. The earliest instance occurs as soon as he is transferred to the mainline MCU.
Still in his bodysuit, Norman attempts to gather himself in an alleyway with his intact helmet hanging from the dumpster nearby. Recalling the scene from the first Spider-Man between Norman and the mask situated on a luxury chair, the moment culminates with Norman destroying the visage as he scurries away. The camera angle as he leaves, the crumbled mask in the foreground, also recreates an iconic panel from the story “Spider-Man No More!” in Amazing Spider-Man #50, cleverly reversed from the hero to the Goblin.
8 He Can Do This All Winter
The last two episodes of Hawkeye containing the Kingpin reveal, and Spider-Man: No Way Home containing the villain’s nemesis Daredevil, release within a week of each other. Add to that the appearance of a Rogers: The Musical digital billboard in No Way Home and it becomes abundantly clear that Kevin Feige is continuing his streak of minute planning to a remarkable extent.
Hawkeye is a distinctly Holiday-themed show, whereas No Way Home is set in winter and contains slight hints of Christmas decorations. It can be inferred that the film takes place either a little before or concurrently with the miniseries, making Rogers: The Musical an act that’s likely run throughout the year.
7 The Night Gwen Stacy Died
Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker enters the frame and the weight of his girlfriend’s death still weighs on his shoulders. It plays an enormous role in the film, informing Peter’s arc as he finds restoration in saving Michelle from Gwen’s fate.
The pivotal story receives a nod during the bridge confrontation between Spider-Man and Doctor Octopus as a highway sign referring travelers to the George Washington Bridge. This location is where Gwen Stacy died at the hands of the Green Goblin in the comics. As divisive as The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is, it proves instrumental to this Spidey’s development as a character.
6 DC Gets A Nod
The MCU version of Flash Thompson is charismatic, fashionable, and patient enough to pen an entire autobiography? As outrageous as that feat is, perhaps the more scandalous act is him naming it after one of the most celebrated DC Comics story arcs (about alternate realities, no less). An exquisite dose of foreshadowing accompanies Flashpoint: A Memoir – My Life As Peter Parker’s Best Friend along with a sly hint of respect. Or it could be a challenge, as DC Films’ upcoming The Flash is set to adapt parts of that arc and crack open their respective multiverse. Fans win on both sides as an arms race between superheroes has given viewers great films like this No Way Home.
5 Ned’s Villainous Future
An awkward moment is ushered in upon Ned’s realization of his magical capabilities, as well as his innocent discussions with Maguire and Garfield’s Peter Parkers regarding their best friends. Ned earnestly promises Peter he will not turn against him like Spider-Man’s best buds tend to do. Still in his bodysuit, Norman attempts to gather himself in an alleyway with his intact helmet hanging from the dumpster nearby.
Ned Leeds adopted the mantle of the rogue following his brainwashing at the hands of the actual Hobgoblin. He first appeared as the character in Spider-Man: Hobgoblin Lives and MCU viewers should probably view this as a possible tease for the future. Given that Ned does not know Peter by the end of No Way Home, it’s possible they could become enemies leading to the former’s transformation.
4 Graffiti Artists Read Classic Spider-Man Comics
One of the most obvious ways to hide easter eggs is to use artwork to pay tribute to a creator who helped the project become realized. Several times throughout the film, there is graffiti art present – particularly when Peter and MJ are relaxing on the roof of the school. The name “Ditko” can be spotted behind the pair, paying tribute to the co-creator of Spider-Man Steve Ditko. Another side of the roof boasts more lettering honoring artist Gil Kane, who illustrated “The Night Gwen Stacy Died,” among other famous Spider-Man arcs. Later on, the Lizard awaits the rest of the gang in his containment vehicle, which is sprayed with the words “Ditko.”
3 The Bridge Sequence Boasts Plenty Of Numerical References
The late Stan Lee, co-creator of Spidey alongside Steve Ditko and general Marvel legend, can no longer make his beloved cameos in Marvel films. The creators keep their vision colored by his imagination and certainly succeed by telling an unmistakably Spider-Man story in No Way Home. They commemorate him in an understated way, as well: one of the most recognized shots of the trailers shows Spider-Man on top of a car on the bridge.
Behind him, a taxi with the number “1228” on display, undoubtedly honoring Stan Lee’s birthday of December 28th. Further, the head of admissions’ license plate read “63ASM-3,” a reference to Doc Ock’s first appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #3 from 1963; this heralds his literal first appearance in the film a few moments later.
2 He’s Back… And His Back
In the years following the end of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, Tobey Maguire’s portrayal of the hero has been memed beyond comprehension. The level of reverence for the sillier aspects of Maguire’s portrayal is so high that the creators behind No Way Home felt they had to address some of it.
Beyond the organic web-shooters and existential crises, a darkly-hilarious scene from Spider-Man 2 receives a direct callback when Garfield’s Parker helps Maguire’s Parker with his back. Aside from the iconic scene, the moment could also be read as a meta-reference to Maguire’s real-life issues: he was nearly recast in Spider-Man 2 after re-injuring his back while filming Seabiscuit in 2002.
1 Ghosts Of Villains Past… And Future?
Perhaps the most difficult easter egg to spot, the tears in the fabric of reality so forcefully hyped during the NWH‘s marketing apparently reveal more than first thought. It will be unquestionably easier to decipher once the film releases to VOD and streaming, but viewers have identified recognizable shapes in the blue and purple abyss ripping across the skyline.
The likes of Rhino and Scorpion are the most common names being dropped, though it’ll be a while before most viewers can detect everything hidden within. One thing is for certain: NWH discovered a way to tear down the borders of fandom and allow fans of every Spider-Man to rejoice in the festivities.
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