The most recent preview for “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” provides insight into the motivation behind the various Spider-Men’s quests to assist Miles Morales.
However, many details remain undisclosed. The preview suggests that the character of Spider-Man 2099, portrayed by Miguel O’Hara, will act as an antagonist in the film and conflict with Miles due to his choice of saving one person instead of prioritizing “every world.” Nonetheless, the rationale for this disagreement must be adequately clarified in the movie’s marketing. This plot point shares similarities with the dynamic in “Spider-Man: Edge of Time.”
“Edge of Time” allows gamers to play as both Peter Parker and Miguel O’Hara, who hail from different periods. As they progress through the game, they can communicate with each other and alternate between characters. Both protagonists have their character flaws to overcome. Peter’s impulsiveness leads him to charge into danger and accept his fate recklessly, and Miguel struggles to redefine his Spider-Man identity when faced with Mary Jane’s life-threatening situation. Consequently, both “Across the Spider-Verse” and “Edge of Time” seem to explore Miguel’s character’s development and transformation.
Compared to Peter, who tends to be sentimental and prioritizes saving every person he can, Miguel has a more pragmatic approach in “Edge of Time.” He does not emphasize rescuing a particular individual and concentrates on the more important goal. While neither Spider-Man’s viewpoint is incorrect, it is apparent that their priorities need to be aligned. It appears that Spider-Man 2099 has difficulty comprehending the fundamental principles of being Spider-Man like Peter does.
The interplay between the two Spider-Men is fascinating because they are different superheroes and entirely different personalities. Their superhero moniker, Spider-Man, is the only common thread that ties them together. As the plot develops, Peter endeavors to help Miguel comprehend the authentic meaning of being Spider-Man. It brings an extra level of intricacy to their dynamic, as they must reconcile their differing approaches to superheroism while working towards a common aim.
Peter’s statement that a future lacking Mary Jane is pointless prompts Miguel to rescue her, despite his initial reluctance, as he believes it would compensate for the debt owed to Peter’s Spider-Man from the past. Although this action does not entirely reconcile Miguel’s understanding of the essence of being Spider-Man, it does spur him to save Mary Jane. In “Across the Spider-Verse,” Miguel appears to target Miles after Miles declines to keep everyone and instead chooses to prioritize one person, which inverts the interaction from “Edge of Time” and adds an extra layer of conflict to their relationship.
In Across the Spider-Verse, Miles may have to rescue multiple vital characters, including Peter B. Parker, Gwen, and his parents. While the reason for Miguel’s aggressive and wild behavior in the movie is still unknown, it’s interesting that he shares the same practicality as Miguel in Edge of Time. Moreover, the ending for Spider-Man 2099 in Across the Spider-Verse might not be the same as in Edge of Time.
There are two distinct paths that Miguel’s character in Across the Spider-Verse might follow. One possibility is that he experiences a realization and comes to understand that, as Spider-Man, he cannot ignore the plight of even one person in danger. Alternatively, he could become so utterly convinced of the importance of saving every world that he considers his actions morally imperative and cannot see things from any other perspective.
Both Miguels may have similar flaws in their understanding of what it means to be Spider-Man, and it may take the intervention of one Spider-Man to convince the other to aid them in their endeavors. Although additional narrative details may provide a clearer understanding of Miguel’s ideals in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, he must learn a lesson similar to that of the Spider-Man 2099 from Edge of Time.
Overall, it will be interesting to see how Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse approaches the dynamic between Miles and Miguel and whether it will follow the same path as Edge of Time regarding character development. The trailers have left many questions unanswered, but it seems clear that the film will explore the themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be Spider-Man. Fans of the Spider-Verse franchise will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting the release of the film to see how it all unfolds.