Fan excitement is running high at the prospect of Tobey Maguire returning for Avengers: Secret Wars, and recent multiversal crossovers suggest this dream could become reality. With Maguire’s possible role in Avengers: Secret Wars front and center, let’s explore which other Spider-People from the ever-expanding Spider-Verse might join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in its biggest event yet.
Expanding the Spider-Man Multiverse Beyond the Usual Suspects
Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield left a lasting impression with their appearances alongside Tom Holland in Spider-Man: No Way Home, reminding audiences of the enduring appeal of Marvel’s alternate universes. Avengers: Secret Wars is expected to deliver even more multiversal cameos, drawing from both live-action and animated franchises.
The critical success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and its sequels opened audiences to a vast array of spider-powered heroes, each with a unique story and audience following. There’s enormous potential for Secret Wars to feature not just Peter Parkers but also alternate Spider-People, bringing together characters beloved in comics and on the big screen. As Marvel contemplates who might assemble alongside Maguire, Garfield, and Holland, here are ten Spider-People worthy of a spot in this ultimate crossover.
1. Scarlet Spider (Ben Reilly): The Iconic Clone Hero
The Scarlet Spider, also known as Ben Reilly, is one of the most recognizable and fan-favorite Spider-Man variants, even if his recent animated appearance poked fun at his brooding persona. In the comics, Ben Reilly is a complex figure—a clone of Peter Parker with his own struggles and legacy.
His hoodie-clad costume stands out, making him instantly distinguishable among other Spider-heroes. Whether interpreted with the comedic flair from Across the Spider-Verse or as the tortured soul from the comics, Ben Reilly offers potential for a fresh take in Secret Wars. Casting him could give actors like Dylan O’Brien, Logan Lerman, or even Leonardo DiCaprio a chance to finally wear the mask, perhaps realizing previous aspirations to take on the role.
2. Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew): The Original Web Warrior
Jessica Drew, the original Spider-Woman, has long held a key role in Marvel comics yet has yet to make her live-action debut. Multiple versions of Jessica exist, including the S.W.O.R.D. agent and the alternate versions featured in the Spider-Verse films and comics, such as clone iterations from the Ultimate Marvel universe.
Secret Wars could provide the perfect opportunity to showcase Spider-Woman’s first cinematic appearance, breaking up the Spider-hero roster with a new dynamic. With so many interpretations of Jess to choose from, casting could be inspired, ensuring another layer of excitement and diversity in the gathering of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
3. Superior Spider-Man (Doctor Otto Octavius): The Antihero with a Dark Streak
One of the more novel additions to the Spider-Verse is Superior Spider-Man, who captured public attention with his unconventional storyline crafted by writer Dan Slott. After a dramatic body swap, Doctor Otto Octavius lives in Peter Parker’s body, striving to be a better Spider-Man by wielding a more ruthless approach to justice.
Superior Spider-Man stands apart for his willingness to cross lines Peter wouldn’t, delivering brutal justice—demonstrated in memorable comic moments like dismantling villains with shocking efficiency. Bringing this morally complex antihero to the screen would inject a new energy into the multiversal team, likely clashing with traditional heroes and challenging their ideals.
4. Toei Spider-Man (Takuya Yamashiro): Japan’s Unique Web-Slinger
Takuya Yamashiro, the star of the Japanese live-action Spider-Man series from Toei, is recognized for combining classic Spidey powers with the flavor of a tokusatsu action hero, including the power to summon a colossal mecha. His arrival in Secret Wars would introduce audiences to a Spider-Man whose universe draws from the same well as the Power Rangers, complete with giant robot battles.
This version of Spider-Man gained legendary status, not just in Japan but globally, and his inclusion could lead to memorable spectacle—a mecha fighting alongside Marvel’s heavy hitters. Toei Spider-Man’s “Megazord” and unique attitude provide an intriguing contrast, capable of bringing both fun and jaw-dropping action to the climactic battle.
5. Silk (Cindy Moon): The Culturally Groundbreaking Web-Slinger
Cindy Moon, known as Silk, brings fresh representation and a compelling backstory to the Spider-family. As a Korean–American bitten by the very same radioactive spider as Peter Parker, Cindy stands out for both her unique abilities and the cultural importance she carries for many fans.
Though a Silk television series was nearly developed, Avengers: Secret Wars could serve as her big-screen introduction, potentially setting up future solo projects if audiences connect with her. Cindy’s journey—already signaled in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by Tiffany Espensen’s appearances—would deliver a new perspective to the team, resonating with both young viewers and the broader Spider-Man fanbase.
6. Spider-Man 2099 (Miguel O’Hara): The Futuristic Protector
Spider-Man 2099, or Miguel O’Hara, comes from a dystopian future where superheroism takes on a new meaning. Portrayed by Oscar Isaac in Across the Spider-Verse, O’Hara’s morally ambiguous approach and vampire-like abilities set him apart from traditional Spider heroes.
His sci-fi-inspired design and fierce personality have made him a standout character across media, and his inclusion in Secret Wars would deepen the Spider-Verse’s diversity. Miguel’s confrontational style could spark intriguing tensions within the team, especially when contrasted with heroes like Superior Spider-Man or the classic Peter Parker.
7. Spider-Girl (Mayday Parker): The Legacy Daughter
Mayday Parker, also known as Spider-Girl, represents the next generation and, in some storylines, is the daughter of Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker. Her storyline offers personal stakes and emotional depth, imagining a world where Peter balances being a hero and a parent.
Comic crossovers have depicted Mayday as stepping into the hero role after the loss of her parents, facing new challenges among a multiverse of Spider-People and alternate Mary Jane Watsons. If Secret Wars explores the legacy of Maguire’s original Spider-Man, bringing in Mayday would offer a powerful narrative bridge and a source of heartfelt drama.
8. Spider-Man Noir (Peter Parker): The Hard-Boiled Detective
Fans of Nicolas Cage will recognize his voice work as Spider-Man Noir in Into the Spider-Verse, where this 1930s-era Peter Parker combined film-noir aesthetics with webslinging action. The character’s dry wit and unique worldview make him a clear favorite, with a solo Prime Video series currently in development (albeit with a mysterious change to the classic identity).
Envisioning Spider-Man Noir striding into Secret Wars’ chaos, still bathed in monochrome while all others appear in color, offers both a striking visual and a chance to inject humor into tense moments. Nicolas Cage’s larger-than-life presence could provide unforgettable interactions with the MCU’s established heroes and alternate Spider-Men.
9. Spider-Gwen (Gwen Stacy): The Modern Icon
Spider-Gwen, or Gwen Stacy, burst onto the scene during the original Spider-Verse comic event and rapidly became a cornerstone of both comics and animation. Her popularity soared after starring in Into the Spider-Verse, introducing her as a capable and dynamic heroine in her own right.
With such a devoted following, Gwen’s appearance in Secret Wars seems almost inevitable. Casting could open the door for the return of Emma Stone or for new talent, with fan casts offering plenty of options. Her character would bring style, skill, and strong emotional threads, especially when woven into stories with Peter Parker or Miles Morales.
10. Spider-Man (Miles Morales): The New Face of the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales has become synonymous with the expanding Spider-Man mythos, beloved for his journey of legacy and self-discovery. With Sony Pictures Entertainment reportedly seeking to transition Miles to live-action after his animated arc concludes, Secret Wars represents the ultimate platform for his introduction alongside more seasoned Spider-heroes.
Miles’s status as a successor to Peter Parker and his position as a culturally relevant Spider-Man mean that his absence from a sprawling multiverse event would feel glaring. Fans are eager to see him swing into this grand Marvel spectacle, fulfilling his role as the new heart of the Spider-Verse in a cinematic context.
What These Spider-People Could Mean for the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The prospect of including Spider-heroes like Ben Reilly, Jessica Drew, Miguel O’Hara, Cindy Moon, Mayday Parker, Gwen Stacy, and especially Miles Morales alongside Tobey Maguire in Avengers: Secret Wars showcases how far the franchise has come. This gathering could unite generations of fans and reflect the full spectrum of characters contributing to Marvel’s enduring legacy.
With passionate support for Maguire’s return and the multiverse’s door wide open, these characters could become breakout stars or lead into new solo adventures within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whichever faces appear in Secret Wars, the event promises unprecedented excitement, giving iconic Spider-People room to shine on cinema’s grandest stage.
