Spider-Man: No Way Home marks the eighth live-action Spider-Man film to be released in theaters, bringing an end to Tom Holland's first trilogy as the MCU's Spider-Man. As he delves into the multiverse, Holland's Peter Parker is fated to have encounters with several visitors from other universes, possibly including other Spider-Men as well.
With fans excited at the mere chance to see previous versions of beloved characters again, now is the perfect time to look back on all three of the major cinematic Spider-Man franchises and each of its recurring main characters to decide which of their "variants" is best.
Betty Brant: Raimi Trilogy
Betty Brant is known in the comics as the secretary of J. Jonah Jameson at the Daily Bugle and Peter Parker's first girlfriend. The character has appeared in two of the three Spider-Man film franchises, first in the Sam Raimi-directed trilogy, played by Elizabeth Banks, and more recently in the MCU's franchise, played by Angourie Rice.
While Rice puts in a stellar performance, the Raimi trilogy's take on the character remains superior. Not does Banks look startlingly like the comic book character, but she also acts as an entertaining foil to J. Jonah Jameson, often interrupting his rants to remind him of his personal obligations or the danger of getting too agitated.
J. Jonah Jameson: Raimi Trilogy
J. Jonah Jameson is the easily agitated, Spider-Man-hating publisher of the Daily Bugle, whose bark is often much worse than his bite. Played by J.K. Simmons, the character first appeared in cinematic live-action in Spider-Man (2002), going on to return in both sequels and in a mid-credit scene for Spider-Man: Far From Home. While he is not present in The Amazing Spider-Man franchise, he is briefly referenced (though never seen) in the second film.
Jameson is a unique character in the Spider-Man cast in that he is one of the few recurring characters to have never been recast for live-action. This, of course, is largely due to the general consensus among fans that Simmons was the perfect man to play the role and that his take on the character cannot be beaten. Rather than recast, Marvel Studios elected to have the actor reprise his role in for the MCU in a reimagined version of the character.
Ben Parker: The Amazing Spider-Man
Ben Parker is almost as synonymous with Spider-Man's iconic catchphrase, "With great power there must also come great responsibility," as the superhero himself. Uncle Ben has made appearances in two of the three Spider-Man franchises, with Cliff Robertson originating the role before Martin Sheen took over for the 2012 reboot.
Martin Sheen brought an extra layer to the character of Ben Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man films, portraying him as a loving pseudo-father to Peter after the disappearance of his parents. While the character's writing, particularly that botched take on the "responsibility" line, was not always superb, Sheen managed to make fans fall in love with his portrayal.
Harry Osborn: Raimi Trilogy
Harry Osborn is Peter Parker's best friend turned worst enemy, who takes on the mantle of his late father in a bid to destroy Spider-Man. The character appeared in all three of Sam Raimi's Spider-Man films played by James Franco. He would later be recast for the rebooted series, where he was portrayed by Dane DeHaan. Both versions of the character have received some criticism, never quite stacking up the Norman Osborn version of the Green Goblin.
While many fans may debate over DeHaan's or Franco's superiority in the character, the fact remains that Franco benefited more from the films that he was in than DeHaan did. Raimi's films took the time to build up the character, whereas DeHaan was shoved into an already bloated Spider-Man film. While Franco is far from a definitive choice as the best possible Harry Osborn, he certainly sures the rebooted version.
Flash Thompson: The Amazing Spider-Man
Flash Thompson is Peter Parker's high school bully, and one of the few characters to appear in all three Spider-Man film franchises. Joe Manganiello, Chris Zylka, and Tony Revolori have all given their respective portrayals of the character with each successive franchise.
Though he has little screentime, the Flash Thompson of The Amazing Spider-Man films comes closest to the comic book source material. This version has all the brutish tendencies of a high school bully but redeems himself by attempting to comfort Peter after his uncle's death. This brief but emotional moment reminds viewers of Flash's humanity despite his flaws, truly rounding him as a character.
Norman Osborn: Raimi Trilogy
Norman Osborn is the CEO of Oscorp, who eventually becomes Spider-Man film, then made a brief reappearance in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, played by Chris Cooper.
While there is no doubt that Dafoe has a clear advantage over Cooper as a result of having more screentime, it is also clear that there are few actors who could inhabit the role of the Green Goblin better than the man who did it first. Dafoe's take on the character was nothing less than bone-chilling, and fans are ecstatic to see his return to the big screen in a few weeks.
MJ: MCU
2 played by Shailene Woodley, but her scenes were deleted.
Though Dunst does a good job with what she is given, Zendaya's character is both a better love interest to Peter Parker and a superior representation of a female lead in modern film. She may not be the star of the show, but she is more than capable of holding her own in times of trial.
Gwen Stacy: The Amazing Spider-Man
Gwen Stacy is Peter Parker's ill-fated love interest in the comics, who dies at the hands of the Green Goblin. Bryce Dallas Howard originated the role in Spider-Man 3, with Emma Stone expanding on the character in The Amazing Spider-Man series, appearing in both of the films therein.
There is little question that Oscar-winner Emma Stone is the best live-action portrayal of Gwen Stacy thus far. Her version of the character is smart, capable, and acts as the emotional center of Andrew Garfield's franchise. Many fans will never forget her tragic fall in the clock tower, one of the most memorable scenes in any Spider-Man film to date.
May Parker: Raimi Trilogy
May Parker is Peter's doting aunt, who is often more capable than her nephew gives her credit for. The character has appeared in every single Spider-Man film to date, played by several decorated actresses over the years, including Rosemary Harris, Sally Field, and Marissa Tomei.
While each actress brought something different to the table concerning the character of Aunt May, it is difficult to top Harris's wise and capable version from the original films. She is used sparingly, but always effectively, with her dialogue usually delivering the moral of the film, making hers the best take on the character so far.
Peter Parker/Spider-Man: MCU
Spider-Man is a character who has seen several rebooted versions over the years. He was first played by Tobey Maguire in the iconic Sam Raimi franchise, then by Andrew Garfield in two films of his own, even Chris Pine and Jake Johnson got a stab at an animated Peter Parker. Tom Holland now plays the role, delivering his sixth performance as Spider-Man later this month.
While each actor to play Spider-Man has brought their own unique flavor to the timeless character, Tom Holland is the one who seems best suited for the role overall. His youthful energy, charisma and brilliant comic timing make him the best Spider-Man yet.
