10 Sony Spider-Man Universe Characters That Should Be Rebooted in the MCU Following the Franchise’s Conclusion

Marvel Studios stands at the brink of an exciting opportunity to reimagine a host of characters from Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) following the announcement that Sony’s divisive Marvel franchise is officially nearing its end. The upcoming release of Kraven the Hunter in 2024 will mark the conclusion of the primary timeline for the SSU, redirecting Sony’s focus towards the MCU, particularly with anticipated projects such as Spider-Man 4, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, and the Spider-Noir series. Many fans are likely relieved to see the SSU wrap up, considering its track record of delivering underwhelming films; however, this also raises concerns for the franchise’s most intriguing characters that might not see their full potential realized.

SSU Movie	Release Date	Box Office
Venom	October 5, 2018	$856.1 million
Venom: Let There Be Carnage	October 1, 2021	$506.8 million
Morbius	April 1, 2022	$167.5 million
Madame Web	February 14, 2024	$100.5 million
Venom: The Last Dance	October 25, 2024	$475.6 million
Kraven the Hunter	December 13, 2024	$28.1 million (as of December 18)

Despite not featuring Spider-Man himself, the SSU provided glimpses into the backstories of some of Peter Parker’s most notorious adversaries from the comics. Unfortunately, due to uninspired storytelling, lackluster scripts, and subpar performances, these iconic villains often failed to resonate with audiences. As the SSU comes to an end with Kraven the Hunter, Marvel Studios has a unique chance to integrate these characters more effectively into the MCU alongside Tom Holland’s version of Spider-Man.

10. Cassandra Webb’s Madame Web

Dakota Johnson Debuts as Cassandra Webb in Madame Web (2024)

Cassandra Webb as a paramedic in Madame Web

Debuting in February 2024, Madame Web proved to be another disappointing entry for Sony, particularly for Dakota Johnson’s portrayal of Cassandra Webb—a paramedic grappling with her clairvoyant powers as she confronts the arrogant Ezekiel Sims. While attempting to craft an origin story for the titular character, the film suffered from poorly written dialogue, lackluster visual effects, and a predictable narrative.

The character of Madame Web has immense potential within Marvel lore, yet this was lost in Johnson’s interpretation. A fresh, more comic-accurate version could find a home in the MCU, potentially offering guidance to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man as he navigates his new reality, availing the character of the depth she deserves.

9. Julia Carpenter’s Spider-Woman

Sydney Sweeney Debuts as Julia Carpenter in Madame Web (2024)

Three Spider-Women fighting Ezekiel Sims

Madame Web also attempted to bring three notable Spider-Women from the comics to the screen, but sadly, they fell flat alongside Julia Carpenter, who was rebranded as Julia Cornwall in this adaptation. While Sydney Sweeney’s casting generated excitement, the film’s narrative stripped Julia of her hallmark confidence and wit, rendering her character weak and unmemorable.

In Marvel Comics, Julia Carpenter is a beloved alternative Spider-Woman known for her role with the Avengers and later becoming a form of Madame Web herself. A more faithful adaptation of her story in the MCU could provide Sydney Sweeney—should she transition to this universe—with the chance to shine as a true Spider-Woman.

8. Cletus Kasady’s Carnage

Woody Harrelson Debuts as Cletus Kasady in Venom (2018)

Though the SSU has not been without its prominent actors, Woody Harrelson’s portrayal of Cletus Kasady, seen as Carnage in Venom: Let There Be Carnage, stands out. Despite the popularity of the Venom trilogy, its execution left much to desire, making a reimagining of Carnage in the MCU an appealing prospect.

The previous movie features Carnage as a psychopathic serial killer, yet his rich comic book history encompasses darker and more nuanced storylines. Reinventing this character in the MCU setting could allow for a more psychological exploration of his persona, amplifying his menacing allure beyond the previous depiction.

7. The Foreigner

Christopher Abbott Debuts as The Foreigner in Kraven the Hunter (2024)

The Foreigner, a compelling yet understated Spider-Man antagonist in the comics, relies on peak physical conditioning rather than superhuman powers to pose a threat. His brief appearance in Kraven the Hunter fell short, with Christopher Abbott’s portrayal failing to capture the character’s intrigue or complexity.

As one of the deadliest assassins in Marvel lore, his demise in the film left much potential unfulfilled. A reimagining of The Foreigner as a key figure in the MCU could present an opportunity to flesh out a longstanding adversary against Spider-Man, especially considering his connections with several potent villains.

6. Dr. Michael Morbius

Jared Leto Debuts as Michael Morbius in Morbius (2022)

Despite the compelling premise of adapting Morbius, the Living Vampire, actor Jared Leto’s portrayal did not resonate with audiences. The film became notorious for its awkward execution and lack of coherent storytelling, which veiled the character’s depth and appeal that many fans admire in the comics.

Marvel Studios appears to be expanding its supernatural landscape recently, introducing characters like Werewolf by Night and Blade, sparking speculation about a possible live-action Midnight Sons team. A reinvigorated take on Morbius would allow the anti-hero to finally be the formidable character he was meant to be, stepping away from Leto’s interpretation.

5. Dmitri Kravinoff’s Chameleon

Fred Hechinger Debuts as Dmitri Kravinoff in Kraven the Hunter (2024)

The Chameleon, known as Spider-Man’s first-ever foe, was hinted at as a looming presence in Kraven the Hunter. Despite this, Fred Hechinger’s rendition offered little substance, reducing his transformation into a secondary plot device. His full potential was minimally realized, and with his character’s demise, it seemed unlikely audiences would see further development.

This character deserves a second chance in the MCU, where his shape-shifting abilities could present fascinating storylines against Spider-Man while freshening up legacy arcs. The Chameleon’s intricate backstory and connections to other characters could create opportunities for a richer narrative.

4. Ben Parker

Adam Scott Debuts as Ben Parker in Madame Web (2024)

Ben Parker and Cassandra Webb in the hospital in Madame Web

In Madame Web, Ben Parker was characterized as a caring yet lighthearted figure, portrayed by Adam Scott. His role as Cassandra Webb’s best friend and connection to family lore offers a pathway for exploring deeper familial ties in Spider-Man’s story. Establishing these relationships could add layers of emotional complexity and might merit Scott reprising his role in future MCU installments.

3. Sergei Kravinoff’s Kraven The Hunter

Aaron Taylor-Johnson Debuts as Sergei Kravinoff in Kraven the Hunter (2024)

Sergei Kravinoff with a bow and arrow in Kraven the Hunter

As one of the most significant characters, Kraven the Hunter played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson is ripe for reinvention. While Taylor-Johnson showcased commendable action skills, the overall execution of the character’s narrative left much room for improvement. With the potential to integrate Kraven into the MCU alongside Spider-Man, this character could finally receive the depth and conflict necessary to do justice to his comic roots.

Kraven’s long-standing rivalry with Spider-Man, who represents his greatest enemy in the comics, creates an ideal framework for a future story arc once integration into the MCU is realized. The exploration of this dynamic relationship could produce captivating content for fans.

2. Fuck

Andy Serkis Debuts as Knull in Venom: The Last Dance (2024)

Knull, recognized as the architect of the Symbiotes in Marvel Comics, offers a powerful character ripe for the MCU landscape. Introducing Knull as a multiversal antagonist could provide a rich backstory, capitalizing on his captivating lore which was only somewhat explored in Venom: The Last Dance. A reimagined portrayal of this cosmic monster brings the potential for a major villain capable of matching Thanos-level stakes and presenting a formidable challenge for the heroes of the MCU.

1. Eddie Brock & Venom

Tom Hardy Debuts as Eddie Brock in Venom (2018)

Eddie Brock and Venom in a memory from Venom: The Last Dance

Among all the characters in the SSU, Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock stands as the only one to undergo an extensive development arc, appearing prominently across three films. His journey alongside the Venom symbiote has been both charismatic and wild, yet the narrative still felt insufficient compared to the richness of the comic book material. With the dissolution of the SSU and the residual presence of the symbiote in the MCU following events in Spider-Man: No Way Home, there’s a prime opportunity for Venom’s true escapade to flourish alongside Spider-Man.

The MCU could also showcase Spider-Man acquiring his iconic black suit, a cherished storyline among fans, thereby providing a deeper connection to his Marvel legacy than what audiences experienced through the SSU.

Source & Images