Summary
AnotherSpider-Manfilm is in the pipeline, and it could feature the return of a supervillain. Coincidentally, an actor fromSpider-Man: Homecomingteased a potential comeback to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
TheSpider-Manfranchise has featured numerous villains across movies and comics, including mad scientists, crime lords and alien symbiotes, often testing Peter Parker’s intelligence, strengths and morality.Tom Hollandis set to return forSpider-Man 4, and while there are no concrete details about the plot of the upcoming film yet, it could likely feature the return of a supervillain who first appeared inSpider-Man: Homecoming.
Bokeem Woodbine made hisMCUdebut inSpider-Man: Homecoming, playing the Shocker, the secondary villain in the film. Holland’s Spider-Man defeated the character, and there was no news about Woodbine’s Shocker after that. At the SXSW premiere ofGovernment Cheese, Woodbinespoke withThe Directabout his character after he was asked what happened to him following the events inHomecoming. Woodbine gave a promising response, hinting at a possible return of Shocker in the next movie or another MCU project. Woodbine replied:
That’s a very good question. I’m wondering the same. But I get a feeling it might not be the last time you see the Shocker.
Woodbine was also asked if there were discussions of him wearing a more comic-accurate costume. Woodbine’s costume features a jacket with yellow quilted sleeves, giving a nod to Shocker’s classic yellow, padded costume in the comics. It was paired with a brown utility vest and cargo pants. He also had a shock gauntlet in only one arm. However, unlike its comic book version, Woodbine’s Shocker didn’t wear a full mask or helmet.
Woodbine said they had talks about it, which seemingly only confirmed that Shocker could appear in another MCU film, potentiallySpider-Man 4.“We discussed it,“he admitted. “It wasn’t right or appropriate for that first one. But who knows, down the line, [we can get] a little bit closer to the original suit. We never wanted to cover his face because I asked that specifically. And they were like, ‘No, you act with your face. So we want to be able to see you.'“Woodbine’s costume inSpider-Man: Homecomingreceived mixed responses from fans. Others liked the color and agreed that the mask wasn’t necessary. For them, Shocker didn’t need a full supervillain costume. However, some felt he was more like a guy in his work clothes than a supervillain. They also argued that adding a full mask or helmet and gauntlet on both arms would make the character more comic-accurate.
There are several reasons why Woodbine’s Shocker should return. First, Spider-Man easily defeated him inHomecoming, and he was never killed or arrested. So he could return stronger and more dangerous. Second, there are rumors thatSpider-Man 4willfocus on street-level battlesand Shocker fits the bill. Third, Woodbine’s charisma and confidence gave the Shocker a cool and laid-back energy, making him stand out. Since he only played a secondary henchman inHomecoming, Woodbine should be given a more significant villain arc if he returns. MCU needs more recurring villains, and they could bring Shocker back as someone Kingpin hires, or he could supply tech to criminals. He could also return to seek revenge with upgraded gauntlets, making him a more formidable nemesis.
