I’m convinced Marvel Studios' upcomingSpider-Man 4is the perfect place to debut one of Spider-Man’s most important allies from Marvel Comics in theMCU, especially after the reveal of the movie’s working title. New movies focused on Tom Holland’s wall-crawler, Peter Parker, were confirmed shortly after the 2021 release ofSpider-Man: No Way Home, with Destin Daniel Cretton’sSpider-Man 4scheduled for release in July 2026. I’m very excited forSpider-Man’s MCU storyto continue, and I thinkSpider-Man 4is gearing up to debut some exciting new Spider-Man-related characters.
Tom Holland’s Peter Parkerhas been on a tumultuous journey since his debut in 2016’sCaptain America: Civil War.We have seen him battle some serious villains, become an Avenger, be killed and resurrected, fight alongside his multiversal variants and be forgotten by the entire world. The events ofSpider-Man: No Way Homeleft Peter Parker alone and anonymous, which has me thinking that theMCU’s upcomingSpider-Man 4will introduce some new allies for the wall-crawler from Marvel Comics, and the movie’s new working title may support this.
Spider-Man 4’s Working Title Reminds Me Of An Iconic Marvel Comics Spider-Man Story
Spider-Man 4’s Working Title Is “Blue Oasis”
Although yet to be officially confirmed by Marvel Studios,The Cosmic Circushas reported thatthe working title forSpider-Man 4is “Blue Oasis.“At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking this working title was meaningless, but it has reminded me of a heartfelt and emotional Marvel Comics story by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale from 2002.Spider-Man: Bluecaught up with Peter Parker feeling just that: blue, as he pondered his relationship with his firstlove interest, Gwen Stacy, which culminated in her tragic death in 1973’sThe Amazing Spider-Man #121.
Spider-Man: Bluespanned six issues between July 2002 and April 2003. Loeb and Sale also worked on Marvel Comics’Daredevil: Yellowin 2001,Hulk: Grayin 2003 andCaptain America: Whitein 2008, each focused on their respective heroes' formative years.
2002’sSpider-Man: Bluesaw Peter Parker recount key events that occurred during his romantic relationship with Gwen Stacy while listening to a series of tapes recorded at the time. I found this storyline incredibly emotional, striking similar chords to the story ofSpider-Man: No Way Home, which saw Peter Parker lose his romance withZendaya’s MJbecause of Doctor Strange’s memory wipe spell. I reckonSpider-Man: Bluecould be loosely adapted for the MCU’sSpider-Man 4, perhaps introducing Gwen Stacy instead of recalling her demise.
“Blue Oasis” Means Gwen Stacy Could Appear In Spider-Man 4
Gwen Stacy Was A Huge Part Of Marvel Comics' Spider-Man: Blue Story
The “Blue Oasis” working title is clearly reminiscent ofSpider-Man: Bluefrom Marvel Comics, which has me thinking thatDestin Daniel Cretton’s upcoming moviewill introduce Gwen Stacy to the MCU.Gwen Stacy made her first Marvel Comics appearance in 1965’sThe Amazing Spider-Man #31, and went on to become Peter Parker’s first love interest after he became Spider-Man and graduated from high school. meeting Parker as Empire State University. Even though we saw her tragically and suddenly die eight-years-later, Gwen Stacy is one of the most important characters in Spider-Man’s history.
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Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
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Gwen Stacy has been portrayed a number of times in live-action and animated movies, but I would love to see her reinvented once again for the MCU proper.Popular fan-casts have included Kiernan Shipka, Emma Myers and Madelyn Cline, and I’d love to see any of these actors, among others, join the MCUas a new love interest oppositeTom Holland’s more-mature version of Spider-Man. Of course, this would lead to a dramatic death scene, which would shape Peter Parker’s story even further, adding new complexities that I can’t wait to see in the MCU.
Why Gwen Stacy Would Be Perfect For The MCU’s Spider-Man 4
Gwen Stacy Can Replace MJ In Spider-Man 4
Over the duration of his first MCU trilogy, comprisingHomecoming, Far From HomeandNo Way Home, Peter Parker’s romantic relationship with Michelle Jones was gradually developed. Unfortunately, this ended in tragedy, asDoctor Strange’s spell made MJ forget Parker, and the latter refused to remind his lost love of their connection, thinking her better off without him. I reckon this makesSpider-Man 4the perfect time to introduce a new, temporary love interest in the form of Gwen Stacy, which will set up some exciting new stories forSpider-Man in the MCU’s future.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Cast
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the first sequel to the MCU’s Spider-Man trilogy starring Tom Holland as the titular wall-crawler. After wiping his identity from the public’s memory in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker continues his crime-fighting adventures without the aid of Iron Man technology or the support of his former allies.
