Marvel fans have had a tough time. 2020 was the first year without an MCU film release since 2010. However, 2021 is more than making up for it. On top of the release of the first three Marvel Disney Plus shows, four major MCU feature films will be released this year: Black Widow, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals, and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Spider-Man: No Way Home is the third of the MCU-based Spider-Man movies starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker. Even though filming was delayed because of COVID-19 restrictions, production was able to begin in October 2020 and ended in March 2021. The movie is on track to be released at the end of this year, on December 17, 2021. Fans are hoping that a trailer will be dropped sometime soon.
As is common with Marvel movies, details of the plot of Spider-Man: No Way Home remain unknown, other than it will be dealing with the fallout of J. Jonah Jameson revealing Spider-Man's identity to the world while framing him at the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home. Countless rumors about the plot and casting have been spread since filming began, some with more veracity to them than others. But what is really known and confirmed about the movie so far?
Returning Cast and Crew
The film has been directed once again by Jon Watts, who also directed Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home. The screenplay was written by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, who have also teamed up as writers on Homecoming and Far From Home as well as Ant-Man and the Wasp. The consistency has made all of the MCU Spider-Man films so far feel like a cohesive unit, without feeling dull or repetitive.
Tom Holland will, of course, be returning as Peter Parker, in his sixth appearance in the MCU. Also returning are Zendaya as MJ, Jacob Batalon as Ned, Tony Revolori as Flash Thompson, Anjourie Rice as Betty, Hannibal Buress as Coach Wilson, JB Smoove as Julius Dell, Marisa Tomei as Aunt May, and Jon Favreau as Happy. J.K. Simmons has teased a return as J. Jonah Jameson, the Daily Bugle editor who revealed Peter's identity to the world.
New Cast Members
Benedict Cumberbatch is confirmed to be appearing as Doctor Strange in Spider-Man: No Way Home. It has not yet been revealed what role he will play in the plot. In Marvel Comics, it is Doctor Strange who weaves a spell ensuring everyone forgets Spider-Man's true identity after it is revealed. It's certainly possible that this is the role he will play in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
This could work and set things back to status quo, but if it worked too well and caused Peter's friends to forget he is Spider-Man as well, that could lead to both angst and comedy. It is also possible that Doctor Strange is Peter's introduction to the multiverse, given the set-ups in WandaVision and Loki as well as the title of the next Doctor Strange film, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.
Other confirmed casting reveals lend credibility to the theory that Doctor Strange could, at least in part, introduce Peter to the multiverse. Jamie Foxx will be appearing as Electro; the exact same Electro, in fact, that he played in 2014's The Amazing Spider-Man 2. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is not a film in the MCU, and it starred Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker. So how Electro gets into the universe where Tom Holland is Peter Parker, and what role he plays in the story, is still unknown.
But Electro isn't the only former Spider-Man movie villain who will be returning. Alfred Molina will be appearing as Doc Ock, reprising his role from 2004's Spider-Man 2. Also not a part of the MCU, Spider-Man 2 starred Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker. Speaking about his appearance, Molina says he was reminded that "no one really dies" as he will be picking up where Spider-Man 2 left off, when his character apparently died. As it has been nearly 20 years since Molina last played Doc Ock, it's likely he will be digitally de-aged for his appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
With two villains from two different Spider-Man continuities confirmed to be playing a role in this Spider-Man continuity, the theory that the multiverse will be playing a role in No Way Home feels all but confirmed. There have been countless other rumors about casting that point to the multiverse over the course of filming. The one with the most substance seems to be that of an appearance by the Green Goblin as played by Willem Dafoe in 2002's Spider-Man. All of the Peter Parkers and love interests from the other continuities--Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, and Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone--have been rumored to appear in the movie, but they have all laughed off the claims so far.
Other Plot Information
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As stated above, very little has been confirmed about the plot of Spider-Man: No Way Home. There have been three official pictures released, all featuring Peter, MJ, and Ned, and all revealing little in terms of plot. Most of the information that fans have so far has been gleaned from the limited behind-the-scenes pics from the set and merch and toy leaks.
In terms of photos, in January pictures were released of a scene being shot on a snowy New York City street. Peter is seen walking down the street with a piece of paper, and he goes into a store decorated for Christmas in which MJ can be seen. This confirms that at least some of the movie will be set around Christmas. Other pictures reveal a scene where Spider-Man chases after a criminal, who Tom Holland has confirmed is played in a cameo role by his younger brother, Harry.
A toy leak reveals that a Doctor Strange Funko Pop connected with the movie is holding his Eye of Agamotto amulet as well as a shovel. What the shovel has to do with Doctor Strange's role in the movie remains a mystery. There have also been several Spider-Man suits revealed through the toys and merch. Peter's upgraded red and black suit from Far From Home can be seen, but there are also two never-been-seen suits. One of the previously unseen suits is a red, black, and gold upgraded suit with spider legs and gauntlets. The other is referred to as the "integrated suit:" it's black and gold, with what appears to be an illuminating web logo and a magic energy circle resembling the magic of Doctor Strange emanating from the wrist. What roles these suits play in the story is yet to be determined.
Spider-Man: No Way Home will be released in theatres on December 17 2021.