Spider-Man has one of the richest rogue’s galleries in all of comics, and the Tom Holland Spider-Man villains redo presents an opportunity to bring some of these iconic characters back to life on the big screen. Over the years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Sony/Columbia Pictures adaptations have introduced various adversaries such as the Green Goblin, The Vulture, and Doctor Octopus. However, several notable villains from Spider-Man’s history have been poorly handled or sidelined, leaving room for a fresh take in upcoming Tom Holland Spider-Man films.
Redeeming Missteps: Revisiting The Rhino for a Stronger Impact
Aleksei Sytsevich, better known as The Rhino, has suffered from two flawed portrayals in Spider-Man’s live-action movies, despite being played by skilled actors like Paul Giamatti and Alessandro Nivola. Both versions failed to capture the essence of the character, leaning into overly complicated concepts like transforming him into a giant robot or a monstrous Hulk-like figure. These interpretations came across as visually unappealing and convoluted in their storytelling, which diminished the character’s potential.
With a new approach, The Rhino could finally be depicted as a visually striking and physically formidable opponent for Spider-Man, allowing talented actors the space to breathe life into the role. A streamlined, aesthetically pleasing version would better serve the franchise and honor the character‘s comic book roots.
The Underexplored Complexity of Ezekiel Sims
Ezekiel Sims, a relatively recent addition to Spider-Man’s mythos since his debut in 2001, is an intriguing figure who blurs the line between ally and adversary. In the comics, he initially appears as a mysterious benefactor before revealing more morally ambiguous motives influenced by his own code, ultimately finding redemption inspired by Peter Parker’s heroism. Unfortunately, his live-action introduction in the film Madame Web was limited and disconnected from Peter Parker, who appeared only as a newborn, stripping Sims of his complex traits.
Given this underwhelming debut, there’s a strong case for revisiting Ezekiel Sims in a future movie, where his layered character and alliance dynamics could be fully explored, providing a fresh villain or antihero narrative.
Black Cat’s Untapped Potential in Future Spider-Man Stories
Felicia Hardy, known as Black Cat, has barely appeared in Spider-Man’s cinematic universe, with only a brief cameo in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, where Felicity Jones portrayed her. Her role has been minimal, possibly due to concerns from Sony executives about her resembling Catwoman from DC Comics. Nevertheless, Black Cat is a key figure in Spider-Man’s world, famed for her seductive chemistry and complicated relationship with the hero.
As Tom Holland’s Spider-Man matures and possibly moves past his relationship with MJ, introducing Black Cat again could inject new dimensions of romance and rivalry. Far from a mere imitation of Catwoman, this character carries narrative possibilities that could deepen the emotional and action-packed fabric of the MCU’s Spider-Man saga.
The Forgotten Legacy of Chameleon Demands Attention
Dmitri Smerdyakov, the Chameleon, holds a significant place as Spider-Man’s very first super-powered villain in the comics, yet his presence in live-action has been scant and inconclusive. Numan Acar’s unnamed character in Spider-Man: Far From Home hinted at an origin story for Chameleon, while Kraven the Hunter featured Fred Hechinger’s Smerdyakov only briefly, primarily as a captive until the film’s climax, where he acquires powers and antagonism toward his half-brother Kraven.
Despite these setup moments, the poor box office performance of Kraven the Hunter has stalled any further development of Fred Hechinger’s Chameleon. Instead of remaining a peripheral tease, Chameleon deserves a full return with a decisive and memorable role, doing justice to his foundational role in Spider-Man’s villainous canon.
Kraven the Hunter’s Unfinished Story in the MCU
Like Chameleon, Kraven the Hunter has lurked near the edges of Spider-Man’s screen stories without truly confronting the hero. Although teased in the credits of The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Kraven’s only live-action appearance was in his underwhelming solo film, portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, which failed to establish the character’s menace or depth. This character’s gritty and somber persona could provide a compelling counterpoint to Tom Holland’s energetic and youthful Spider-Man.
Recasting Kraven with a new actor and redesigning his costume to better reflect his comic origins could revitalize the character for future confrontations with Spider-Man. Presenting Kraven as a serious and relentless hunter chasing his ultimate prey would enrich the villain lineup and challenge Spidey in unique ways.
Kraven the Hunter is currently available for streaming on Netflix, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to release in theaters on July 31, 2025.
Looking Ahead to What’s Next in Spider-Man’s Cinematic Battles
With the Tom Holland Spider-Man villains redo on the horizon, fans should anticipate a fresher and more faithful portrayal of some of the most beloved and complex characters from the Spider-Man comics. These villains, given new life, could offer more engaging stories, deeper character interactions, and more thrilling conflicts within the MCU.
Which Spider-Man villains would audiences most like to see return and take on new roles in the MCU? The anticipation for the next chapter in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man saga continues to grow as these classic foes await their moment to shine.
