Tom Holland’s upcoming Spider-Man 4 is said to explore a darker narrative, depicting a lonely and grief-stricken Peter Parker struggling to be remembered. However, this new film’s somber tone faces comparison to Andrew Garfield’s 2014 The Amazing Spider-Man 2, which remains known as a deeply emotional and dark portrayal of the hero’s journey.
Spider-Man 4 will reportedly feature Peter Parker isolated from friends and his Aunt May, overwhelmed by loss and joined by Jon Bernthal’s Punisher, adding a layer of vengeance to the story. This bleak direction highlights the character’s anger toward a world that seems to have forgotten him. Yet, despite this grim setup, many believe it cannot reach the haunting impact of Garfield’s earlier film, which left a lasting impression on fans through its intense emotional struggles.
Why The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Set an Unmatched Level of Darkness
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is remembered for its gut-wrenching scenes, especially the tragic death of Gwen Stacy, played by Emma Stone, which stands out as one of the darkest moments in any Spider-Man movie. Andrew Garfield’s depiction of Peter Parker showed the character grappling not just with crime-fighting but also with personal challenges, including college, employment, and complicated relationships, all compounding into a profound sense of despair.
The film’s creators purposely avoided offering Peter any easy happiness, culminating in a heartbreaking sequence where Spider-Man’s failed attempt to save Gwen Stacy leaves a lasting scar on the character. This narrative choice plunged the franchise into a realm of grief and unresolved questions, especially about Peter’s father and his place in society. Despite some lighthearted moments sprinkled throughout, the movie’s tone was far more mature and somber than audiences expected from a Spider-Man sequel at that time.
The Unique Perspective of Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man
Among the three actors who have famously taken on the Spider-Man role, Andrew Garfield stands out as the only one who genuinely enjoyed playing the character. Tobey Maguire, the original Spider-Man on screen, initially embraced the part with enthusiasm but grew weary as his role became more burdensome, with the superhero’s suit feeling like a heavy obligation rather than freedom by the third film.
Tom Holland entered the scene already comfortable with his powers as of Captain America: Civil War in 2016, showing a different stage of Peter Parker’s life. However, it was Garfield who expressed joy in embodying Spider-Man fully—from performing acrobatics to engaging in playful exchanges with villains—capturing the essence of the character both on and off camera. Unfortunately, despite this passion, Garfield’s tenure as Spider-Man ended abruptly, leaving fans pondering what might have been.
The Impact of Darkness in Spider-Man’s Storytelling
Spider-Man movies have often balanced humor, tragedy, and heroism, but Andrew Garfield’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 pushed these elements into darker territory, exploring themes of loss, identity, and responsibility with an intensity that unsettled audiences. This film’s deep sadness and unresolved questions made it a defining and memorable installment in the Spider-Man saga.
With Spider-Man 4 promising another dark chapter, featuring Peter Parker’s isolation and connections to characters like the Punisher and possibly Venom, viewers are anxious to see if the new narrative can match or surpass the emotional depth found in Garfield’s film. The tension lies in whether this direction will resonate as strongly or feel repetitive in comparison.
For those interested, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 remains available to stream on Disney+, while Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set for release in US theaters on July 31, 2026. Fans continue to debate whether Spider-Man 4’s darker take can eclipse the legacy of Andrew Garfield’s dark masterpiece or if it will merely follow in its heavy footsteps without the same impact.
