Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s most iconic superheroes. As depicted in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, he is Peter Parker, a teenager who gains special abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. With great power comes great responsibility, and young Peter strives to balance the duties of masked heroism with typical high school life.
Background
According to his movie backstory, Peter Parker was born in 2001 and orphaned at a young age when his scientist parents died in a plane crash. He was subsequently raised in Queens, New York by his Aunt May and Uncle Ben. As a boy, Peter was bright but socially marginalized, which changed after he was bitten by an escaped experimental spider at the age of 15.
This fateful bite granted Peter superhuman strength, speed, agility and other spider-like abilities. However, when a criminal that Peter failed to stop later killed Uncle Ben, the tragedy taught him to use his newfound gifts more responsibly. Peter then created web shooters, a custom suit, and the alter ego of Spider-Man to fight crime around New York City.
MCU Appearances
Spider-Man first appeared in the MCU in 2016’s Captain AmericaCaptain America is a fictional superhero created by Marvel C... More: Civil War as an ally recruited by Tony Stark. He fought against other heroes in opposition to the Sokovia Accords that would regulate superhuman activity. Stark then became a mentor figure to the young hero.
The 2017 film Spider-Man: Homecoming chronicled Peter balancing high school life with defeating the Vulture, an arms dealer supplying criminals with advanced weaponry.
In 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War, Spider-Man joined other heroes in battling ThanosThanos is a villainous fictional character that first appear... More, who ultimately erased half of life in the universe with the Infinity Stones. Peter was among those who disintegrated. After HulkHulk is a fictional superhero created by Marvel Comics. He f... More reversed Thanos’ actions, Spider-Man returned and helped defeat ThanosThanos is a villainous fictional character that first appear... More once and for all in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
The 2019 sequel Spider-Man: Far From Home took Peter Parker on a school trip to Europe interrupted by attacks from Mysterio, a jilted former Stark employee who used drones and illusions to manufacture threats. Though Spider-Man defeated Mysterio, his enemy revealed Parker’s secret identity to the world in a final act of spite.
The upcoming 2021 film Spider-Man: No Way Home will see Peter enlist Dr. Strange’s help to reverse this revelation, unintentionally bringing enemies from parallel universes into his world.
Additional Notes
A few other key notes help define this modern cinematic rendition of the classic Marvel hero:
- Peter’s supporting cast includes his friend Ned, Aunt May and love interest MJ, all of whom know his superhero identity.
- Spider-Man is admired for his witty banter during fight scenes as well as his compassion and morality. However, he struggles to balance his normal life with hero duties.
- Tony Stark became both mentor and father figure to Peter before his death, passing on glasses granting access to invaluable Stark technology.
- In addition to iconic villains like Vulture and Mysterio, Spider-Man has teamed up with fellow Avengers such as Iron ManIron Man is a fictional superhero created by Marvel Comics. ... More, Captain AmericaCaptain America is a fictional superhero created by Marvel C... More, HulkHulk is a fictional superhero created by Marvel Comics. He f... More, Black WidowBlack Widow is a fictional character from Marvel Comics and ... More and Doctor Strange.
So while the blockbuster MCU films have reimagined elements of the Spider-Man mythos, this Peter Parker retains the endearing traits that have made the character Marvel’s most relatable and beloved superhero.
