DEBATE: SPIDER-MAN 4 villains should be?
The overblown SPIDER-MAN franchise needs a new direction entirely if you ask me and whether that means a new director, a new set of talent or a completely different tone to the narrative I don’t know.
All I can say is that I really don’t wanna sit through another crap-fest like SPIDER-MAN 3.
The status of the fourth movie in the series has come clear today. As expected Sam Raimi, Avi Arad and the new writer James Vanderbilt (ZODIAC, DARKNESS FALLS) have sat down and discussed where the story for the next movie should go. I’m guessing that meeting went well as Comics 2 Film report that Vanderbilt said this on BlogTalkRadio…
“It’s sort of an odd process because you’re sitting down with the people who made the first three and going, ‘Well let me tell you what to do… But I was lucky enough that they were interested in me and I’m a huge fan of those movies, so we closed that up right before the strike. Once the strike’s over I get to go to work.”
So a direction has no doubt already been agreed upon, and a new villain chosen. Now Vanderbilt just has to write the script and Raimi needs to decide upon his future which we now know won’t involve THE HOBBIT.
So who could the villain of SPIDER-MAN 4 be? Click after the jump as we take a look at the contenders and have a brand new poll over who could be facing Spider-Man in the next movie…
The obvious choice because of how this character is slowly being built up in the franchise is Dr. Curt Connors, ak.a. The Lizard, played in small cameo’s by Dylan Baker in the previous films. In the last movie he was the one who got in touch of the Symbiote which could be the setup for him as a future villain. In the comics of course, Dr. Curt Connors gets transformed into a Lizard when an experiment goes wrong (yeah that again) while he tries to grow himself a new arm. Could the plot of the next film use the Symbiote as the catalyst for this transformation?
The only problem with that though is that The Lizard tale (a good family man and friend to Peter Parker, turns evil out of trying to do good) has pretty much been done already with Dr. Octopus in SPIDER-MAN 2.
Of course another direction they could take with the Symbiote is to create Carnage, a serial killer and friend of Eddie Brock (Venom) who takes up a personal vendetta against Spider-Man…
But isn’t that almost the same as seeing another Venom movie on the big screen?
Another tale I would love to see on screen is Kraven’s Last Hunt, one of the more adult SPIDER-MAN stories in history. That narrative would also allow for a secondary villain (played in the comics by little known villain Vermin) but could be played by anyone ranging from The Vulture, Electro and even Mysterio. Kraven the Hunter is kinda like a bounty hunter who is intent on capturing SPIDER-MAN as his prize, but he does it for the ego than the cash.
Of course a human villain might be too much for the executives behind the movie to greenlight.
So then we turn to Electro, one of the more popular villains from the pool of who is left, he is Maxwell Dillon… a villain born out of a freak accident whilst repairing a power line. He basically uses electricity as his weapon, allowing he to become superhuman and more powerful than SPIDER-MAN. He’s a bit of a fantastical villain but I see no reason why he couldn’t be used, his origins don’t feel as implausible as a villain like Venom.
An outsiders choice and someone that was rumored for a cameo in the last movie was Mysterio, a villain I would love to see played by Bruce Campbell either in a secondary role, or as a lead villain. In the comics he is a disgraced stunt man and special effects artist Quentin Beck who takes on a fantastical and theatrical costume to setup SPIDER-MAN using illusions. His biggest power is the myths he can create… and for SPIDER-MAN 4 they could easily use Campbell’s character for this… after being sick of the low paid jobs he has acquired.
I’ve always thought Mysterio could only work as a secondary villain though, maybe not as interesting as a lead. And certainly I think Sony would think twice about using Campbell so prominently.
Surprisingly, with Sam Raimi’s love for the original villains… one character who hasn’t turned up yet is The Chameleon, a villain who made his appearance in Spider-Man #1. He is Dmitri Smerdyakov, a former Russian spy who is biologically enhanced and is able to transform himself into the appearance of anyone else. He is also brother to Kraven the Hunter and would make for an interesting villain if used as cleverly as Mystique is in the X-MEN movies. Ghosts of Peter’s past could certainly make appearances then…
Total outsiders for me are…
Shocker - a villain named Herman Schultz who can create earthquake like eruptions but is immune himself because of his unique costume. He also reminded be a little of the Batman villain Bane, and could only probably be used as a side villain only.
The Vulture - A villain I’ve heard time and time again was in Sam Raimi’s original draft for SPIDER-MAN 3. He is Adrian Toomes, a former electronics guy who builds himself some wings but the idea of an old actor in wings is just never going to cut it. I heard Raimi wanted Ben Kingsley for the part at one stage but I think this villain would look extremely dumb on screen…
And last and probably least, there is Rhino… a villain who I remember more from the animated series than the comics. He’s basically just a dumb ass, big super strong villain and he is usually a second string villain. I can see no future for this character on our screens, I just don’t think it would ever work…
So who do you want to see as the main villain in the next movie and indeed who do you think the producers behind the film have setup to focus on?
Let your voice be heard below…
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Pingback by Obsessed With Film » Who should villains be in SPIDER-MAN 4? | February 2, 2008
My money is on the next villain being the Lizard. Dr Connors was in Spidey 2&3 so it makes sense. After him, who knows? Carnage or Electro maybe? Long as it’s not another lame, dumbass punk like Goblin, Dr Octopussy or Sandman –God they were awful.
And if Raimi hadn’t crammed Venom into a film where he simply didn’t fit Spidey 4 could be the best Spidey movie of them all.
Personally I think Spidey 3 was fantastic, though a little heavy handed on the themes of forgiveness and the crappy fame going to Peter’s head subplot. And if they will just dump the Peter/Mary romance that they force into every movie then I’d really be looking forward to it.
Comment by JaySmack | February 2, 2008
Why is there no, “Spiderman 3 was so awful that another film should not be made” option?
Comment by Stephen | February 2, 2008
I liked all the other villains, especially Doc. Ock. I think Sandman would have been good if they gave him a full film and more time to flesh him out as a character.
Goblin was a little formulaic for a villain but it was Spidey’s origins, he filled the job.
Agree totally on the Venom part but I think that was more Avi Arad than Raimi putting him in there.
And yes.. Mary Jane should DIE. Or leave, or something. It makes zero sense for Parker to still want that woman and not Gwen Stacy after the way she treats him in every single film. She’s a bitch, plain and simple.
And Stephen…
Because Spider-Man 1 and 2 were so great that it’s too early to kill this franchise!
Comment by Matt Holmes | February 2, 2008
Frankly, I’m a little tired of this franchise. The end of 3 felt like an end, and I think Spiderman should just have a rest for a few years. If they do make a fourth film, I won’t be seeing it.
Comment by cambion | February 2, 2008
I think that the tone of the next film will have to be taken in a different direction. I’ve always thought that Kraven would’ve been great to see. We know we have to see the Lizard. Maybe Kraven will come after Spidey and the Lizard. Also, I would like to see Pete single and happy with it.
By the way, Venom’s getting a stand alone film. Why? I have no idea except it’ll make money…
http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4249&Itemid=99
Comment by Lencho | February 3, 2008
I don’t like Spider-Man, but Kraven the Hunter would give it the edge and darkness that Raimi simply can’t -won’t!- bring. Die-hard Raimi-Spidey fans would probably hate it, but let’s face it: the Raimi version of Spider-Man is and always has been predictable and dim-witted, even his former fans don’t like it. It’s time for a change of pace.
Raimi’s kid-friendly, suburbanite-appealing Spidey was totally safe and clean –even the vilains!– and that’s the problem. Spider-Man can be so much more than that.
Kraven’s story was SICK! The exact opposite of the silly fluffy shite Raimi’s been peddling. And it’s time!
After doing a dark duet or trio of films revolving around Kraven and his protege/love-interest Calypso (she had the Lizard as her pet for a while, so Connors could easily be worked into it –and when folks least expect him!) audiences would be ready for the franchise to lighten up again and go back to it’s campy origins.
Spider-Man doesn’t need a “rest” he needs an infusion of new blood. Because Raimi’s stuff has been pretty bloodless–literally and artistically.
Comment by JaySmack | February 3, 2008
I can’t believe you left out Scorpion but put Rhino. Scorpion is a villain that could definately work, being how a spider is the prey to a scorpion. But honestly with good writing, the Scorpion could make a terrific villain
Comment by J | February 4, 2008
I agree w/J 100%-the scorpion would be awesome because,as Sidey fans now, JJJ helped finance The scorpion to help get rid of Spidey-but the Scorpion turned on him-and everyone-that’s why Spidey had to fight him in the first place-to rescue JJJ-who Scorpion kidnapped! this would be perfect for spidey4-and it would showcase the great JK Simmons w/ a much-needed larger role-that’s what spidey 4 needs-not an overhaul-not a restart-just a different direction-focus on some of peter’s OTHER girlfriends-like Betty and Gwen-or Liz Allen!
I do think that the lizard would be appropriate-we still have several major villians from the very start of the comics who haven’t been seen-and The Lizard would be cool-looking on screen-his tranmsformation,for example)-they could even have the final showdown in the everglades, like in issue #6-and get Spidey out of New York for a few scenes!
Again, in Spioderman #6-when Peter went to Florida to investigate the lizard, JJJ and Betty Brant came along as well!
sorry for the long post-got carried away for a sec-
Hooray for the end of the writer’s strike!-hello, spidey 4-dark knight-deatjly hallows-new episodes of Heroes-and The hobbit-AND the oscars!
Spidey 3 did not suck-it just wasn’t great-too many villans-yiou all know-and the part I hated seeing ONCE AGAIN was Peter and Mary jane and their crap-her crap-and in all 3 pics, the villian takes her hostage,learns spidey’s identity,he recues her,etc,etc-this was way too apparent when viewing the film-3 times in a row? Do something different-the series is called “spiderman, not Pete and MJ.
Raimi? Yes, of course-if he’s allowed to use the villans he wants and not be told to insert venom-
Tobey? I sure hope so-he IS Peter Parker -and Spiderman-but-I suppose a similar actor could take over-perhaps Elijah Wood! he could pass for Tobey
Kirste Dunst? Not needed-3 movies is enough-remember in the comics, MJ leaves Peter’s life for a long spell to go to Hollywood-so there you go. then Pete can date Betty, Gwen, and that sweet russian girl across the hall who brings him cake!
Villians? I think Lizard is overdue-esp w. dr Conners an established characer-or,perhaps The Vulture-I;m sure Sam could make it “fly”-or,Electro or Mysterio-or scorpion-or the Spider slayers-again financed by jjj to destroy WebHead-
My advice? focus on what Spidey has to do-and focus more of peter’s life around The Bugle.
Yes, there absolutely SHOULD be a spidey 4-or 5-as long a seach story is unique and entertaining-why not? And we’ve had many different acters who have played popular movie characters-Bond, Batman, Sherlock Holmes,Dumbledore- jack Ryan-the new cast of Star Trek-a different actor could be chosen to “take over the role” if tobey doesn’t want to do it-
Whenever it happens-remember-the 1st trilogy has ended-just like the 1st pirates and X-men trilogies-now, any new installments will Have to take us somewhere new-after an hiatus. nd even if Raimi doesn’t direct, I’m sure he’ll be involved as a producer orcrative consultant-just liek PJ in The Hobbit.
Bring on Spiderman4! The saga is just starting for spiderman!
Comment by shane420SF | February 4, 2008
Totally forget Scorpion. I wouldn’t mind seeing that.
I would rather see The Lizard or Kraven.. but Scorpion is cool.
Comment by Matt Holmes | February 4, 2008
Forget the Scorpion. Mac Gargan would be weak as a character plot in the movie franchise. Same with Kraven. The Lizard would be a nice thing to see, but I don’t know how good that would do with Doc Ock already appearing. The team behind Spiderman 3 killed Eddie Brock, which was a dumb decision becuase that means no more Venom, and the spin-off is gonna suck. The one element that I think would be great to see is Carnage. Yes, I realize that a lot of people won’t want to see ‘another Venom’ but Kasady, Carnage, would add that dark element that many have been waiting to see. And for those who want to see 2 villians again, the Lizard could be involved as well. Something could happen with the symbiote, causing Dr. Conners to try and regrow his arm, he transforms into the Lizard and mistakenly releases the symbiote, which then finds the most twisted being around, Cletus Kasady. I don’t know I just think that would be cool.
Comment by DisturbedMDD | February 4, 2008
The next Spidey movie should seriously think about introducing Carnage. Because in Spidey 3, they didnt portray Venom as the ruthless villain he TRULY is. And in that movie, they didnt tell you what happened to that other piece of the symbiote, so somehow, it should find its way to Cletus Cassidy. That way, they can unleash the psychotic killer he is. The franchise really does need to take a new direction in what they’re doing. Im getting sick of the same crap. When Harry Osborn died, it was different and it made a point that it wasnt a happy ending. Peter lost his best friend. They need to change things up a bit. Also, they should stick to just one villain per movie. If you cram too many into one movie, its not going to make sense and its gonna go by too fast. I know that there are a lot of villains for Spidey to kick the crap out of, but thats a reason why there should be dozens of Spidey movies. I think that future Spidey movies should take a more “mature” theme and they need to stay true to the comics. I cant get enough of Spider-Man and I hope for many more movies to come.
Comment by Drew | February 10, 2008
They really should put Carnage in spider man 4. Maybe Scorpion or the Lizard. By the way I heard they’re making 6 movies!
Comment by zealo20 | March 8, 2008
i think that every single villian should team up and take down spiderman for good but at the end of the movie they die too somehow however peter parker wont die just spidermans identity. carnage should be the leading villain with scorpian being jealous of him which leads to scorpian teaming up with spiderman but not in a freindly way.
Comment by mike | April 13, 2008
oh hell i think they can somehow make it so that venom didnt die and this time have him kill MJ and somehow get captured and trown in jail and then BOOM carnage and venom my homie in the same movie then they can do somethin like Maximum Carnage wit a big Spidey Venom teamup i would look forward 2 that unlike the vulture i mean come on the vulture could be the stupidest vcarecter 2 go in a movie wat they did 2 venom will look like a god dam ice cream cake compared 2 wat vulture will look like and i 4 one dont want 2 see him i wanna see more venom but done rite this time
Comment by Massblackout13 | April 23, 2008
Together the chemeleon and Kraven could be a good duo being brothers and all. And of Course carnage is the fan favorite. But NO Teaming Up! The has to be major animosity between venom and carnage. and no lame ass defeat by sound frequencies! The good news will be that we’ll see venom back if we get carnage!
Comment by Madhatt3r | May 2, 2008