Massive spoilers ahead for Spider-Man: Far From Home!
Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has officially come to a close, as Spider-Man: Far From Home is currently in theaters. Jon Watts' second MCU outing followed up on the shared universe after the wild events of Avengers: Endgame, giving some closure to the last slate of movies. But Far From Home also set up some major changes for Phase Four, especially regarding Peter Parker's identity.
The mid-credits scene from Spider-Man: Far From Home sees Jake Gyllenhaal's possibly dead Mysterio revealing Spider-Man's true identity to the world, thanks to a quick cameo by J. Jonah Jameson. While Peter was always going to have his name revealed in the movie, it originally happened earlier in the runtime. As co-writer Chris McKenna recently explained:
We were wondering, 'Are we going as deep as we need to at the end of the movie?' We played with the idea that Peter is the one who sacrifices his identity out of necessity during the final battle, then it seemed more interesting if Mysterio tricks him into doing it, but any time we wrote a version where he was being revealed to the world in that battle, it felt like it diminished the victory. So before it became a tag, it was really just the end of the movie: Right as he feels he’s stepping up as Spider-Man, he has the rug pulled out from under him again.
Well, that would have definitely played quite different. Because rather than appearing as a coda in the credits, it seems that Peter's identity reveal was originally just going to be how Spider-Man: Far From Home ended. And there was yet another plan for the scene before that.
Chris McKenna's comments to The New York Times show how methodically Spider-Man: Far From Home's team approached the blockbuster, in particular its ending. It seems that Peter's second solo flick was always intended to reveal his identity to the world, but the method in which this happened changed quite a bit throughout development.
Related: How Spider-Man: Far From Home Landed That Jaw-Dropping Cameo
The first version of the scene saw Spider-Man making the decision himself, sacrificing his anonymity in order to beat Mysterio once and for all. This would have definitely been a heroic moment for the web slinger, and perhaps been more reminiscent of Tony outing himself as a superhero in the first Iron Man movie. Instead, that power was given to Jake Gyllenhaal's character in a more fascinating way.
After Spider-Man successfully thwarts Quentin Beck's plan in Europe, Peter Parker returns back home. But the villain had one more trick up his sleeve, as he reveals Peter's identity as the superhero as well as a doctored video that sees Spidey killing Mysterio. It's an epic button to the movie, and probably works so well because of where its placed. Rather than a bleak ending, the twist comes out of nowhere during the film's credits.
Mysterio's last trick is sure to change the MCU forever, and it should be fascinating to see what comes next. Nothing about Phase Four has been revealed, although both Jon Watts and the fans seem to want Kraven the Hunter to be Spider-Man's next foe. And now that Peter Parker is a public figure (say that 10 times fast), he'll no longer be able to be the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.
Overall, it should fascinating to see what is coming for Spider-Man in the mysterious Phase Four. Clearly we're going to be diving into new territory, as Peter Parker likely won't be able to return to High School with his friends for another year. With his secret out, it's going to presumably be difficult to live any semblance of a normal life. And it looks like he might have a possible murder charge on his hands.
The heroes of the MCU are unique to comic book lore, in the fact that they don't have secret identities. They live their lives as one person, rather than having a Batman-like split personality. Peter Parker was the noticeable exception, as the young hero attempted to live out his High School years while balancing superheroic adventures. But now that the secret is out, Peter should become a very public figure.
Spider-Man was dubbed an official Avenger during the events of Infinity War, aiding Tony Stark and Doctor Strange in their battle against Thanos on Titan. And although he faded to dust as a result of Thanos' snap, Spider-Man: Far From Home proved that important Marvel figures like Nick Fury have taken note of the wall crawler's abilities and accomplishments.
The Avengers lost its three main leaders throughout the course of Endgame, all through different circumstances. Tony Stark and Black Widow both died in very different ways, while Captain America retired as elderly man after spending his life with Peggy. As such, Earth's Mightiest Heroes are in need for reinforcements, and some new management. Could Spider-Man end up having a more integral role in the group now that his identity has been exposed?
Mysterio outing Peter Parker is sure to put the young hero in more danger, as he won't be able to safely reside in his Queen residence. One has to also wonder if this puts Marisa Tomei's Aunt May in jeopardy as well, since public records should reveal that she's Spider-Man's closest blood relative. This might be the opportunity to really put May into the action of the MCU in the inevitable third MCU Spider-Man movie. She's been safe and sound during all of Peter's adventures so far, and Tomei has been rather underutilized.
Following the events of Spider-Man: Far From Home, there are plenty of theories going around the internet regarding the fate of Jake Gyllenhaal's new villain. Since the character was a manipulative mastermind who had illusion tech, it seems like Mysterio is a bit of an unrealistic narrator. Could he have survived his final showdown with Spider-Man, and still be out there? It does seem possible, especially after that Daily Bugle video from Far From Home's mid-credits scene.
Spider-Man: Far From Home is in theaters now. Be sure to check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
