5 Marvel Heroes Who Deserve Their Own Spider-Verse-Style Animated Movie

by

Sony’s Spider-Verse films have expanded Spiderman’s escapades into uncharted territories, and it’s high time for other Marvel superheroes to receive similar treatment. The 2018 animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduced Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), a New York City teen who acquires the powers of his idol, Spiderman, becoming a Web-Slinging superhero himself. This movie, which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, was succeeded by the massive 2023 sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, where Miles, Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld), and other Spidermen from various dimensions team up to thwart the villainous plot of the interdimensional antagonist, the Spot (Jason Schwartzman).

The Spider-Verse movie series has gained immense popularity due to its captivating narratives, thrilling action scenes, and the merging of Spidermen from various realms, including Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Donald Glover’s appearances in Across the Spider-Verse via archived footage, with Glover reprising his role as the Prowler after his Spider-Man: Homecoming stint. As the franchise expands with Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, it seems only logical to adapt other Marvel legends into animated films similar to the Spider-Verse series. Below are five Marvel superheroes who could headline their own Spider-Verse-style animated movies.

Captain America

Among the longest lasting and most beloved Marvel superheroes, Steve Rogers (also known as Captain America), represents the epitome of dedicated patriotism. His fame skyrocketed when Chris Evans portrayed him in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although Evans’ interpretation of Steve Rogers is widely recognized as the definitive live-action version, an equally compelling adaptation of Captain America could also be beneficial for animated productions.

A cartoon movie or series, reminiscent of 1940s animated serials and taking place during World War II, could effectively highlight Cap’s heroic war history. Alternatively, a modern-day setting with Steve using his shield in a contemporary military conflict could also make for an engaging animated tale about Captain America.

Iron Man

The character of Iron Man is deeply associated with Robert Downey Jr.’s outstanding portrayal of Tony Stark, from his debut in the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, Iron Man, to his selfless sacrifice in Avengers: Endgame (2019). Conversely, Tony Stark has been featured less frequently in animation. A Spider-Verse-style animated movie could provide an innovative platform for introducing a fresh take on Iron Man.

Introducing technology and AI aspects of Iron Man into an animated film could create a visually engaging experience, mirroring the thrilling depiction of his suit, gadgets, and escapades, similar to the visual spectacle presented in the Spider-Verse films.

The Hulk

Despite the Hulk’s extensive screen history, both big and small, a considerable number of fans are disappointed that there hasn’t been a standalone Hulk film on the big screen since 2008’s “The Incredible Hulk”. This is because Universal Pictures holds the rights to solo Hulk movies. Consequently, the Hulk has been confined to playing alongside other characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) from “The Avengers” onwards. However, an animated movie featuring the Hulk could provide a substitute for the Hulk embarking on his own journeys when live-action solo films are unavailable.

Interestingly, Ang Lee’s 2003 Hulk film might actually have a strong argument for an animated Spider-Verse-like Hulk movie due to its use of comic book-inspired layouts, transitions, and visual aesthetics. It’s possible that Ang Lee himself could potentially be interested in directing another Hulk movie, this time in animation, where he could continue the comic book style from live-action into a medium that allows for even greater exploration.

Iron Fist

Initially, Danny Rand, the Iron Fist and martial arts expert, didn’t get off to a great start in Netflix’s live-action series, Iron Fist. However, his comeback in The Defenders, a later season of Luke Cage, and particularly the upgraded second season of Iron Fist helped him regain his footing. Finn Jones, who plays Danny, is open to reprising his role as K’un Lun’s immortal weapon. But it’s not necessary for Danny’s story to be limited to live-action; he could also appear in other forms of media.

Transforming “Iron Fist” with the visual aesthetic of the “Spider-Verse” could offer a similar vibrant flair, blending the comic book art style of yesteryear’s kung fu flicks onto the big screen, and narrating an expansive tale encompassing Danny’s training in K’un Lun and his crime-fighting life in New York City. Notably, the 2004 “Iron Fist” comic book miniseries titled “Breathless” employed a manga-inspired art style for Danny’s narrative, while his initial comic book saga in “The Immortal Iron Fist” was portrayed using distinctly Chinese artwork. Either method would be fitting to embark Danny on his next Iron Fist adventure within a “Spider-Verse”-like animated realm.

Daredevil

Matt Murdock, in many aspects, represents multiple roles — fearless man, competent attorney, blind ninja with extraordinary abilities safeguarding Hell’s Kitchen, pioneer of the Marvel-Netflix era, and the lead character making a comeback on Disney+’s Daredevil: Born Again. However, it’s unfortunate that Matt Murdock cannot be labeled as a superhero often featured in animation.

Both Netflix’s and Disney+’s versions of Daredevil demonstrate that the gritty world of Hell’s Kitchen can be stunningly portrayed in an animated format, much like how Daredevil’s unique ability, his radar sense, could stand out even more on screen. This power, which allows him to “see” the world using his superhuman hearing, was only shown once on Daredevil but would truly shine in animation. Furthermore, Daredevil’s strong ninja theme and potential depiction in the style of Spider-Verse animation would undoubtedly make for a compelling visual spectacle, highlighting The Man Without Fear in an engaging way.

You can currently rent or purchase “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Realms” and “Spider-Man: Traversing the Spider-Realms” on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV. The next installment, titled “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Realms,” is scheduled for a theater release on June 7, 2027.

Read More

2025-05-05 23:10