A recent Spider-Man theory suggests a shocking revelation, which may explain the motives behind certain characters and make further sense of an overarching premise. When it comes to the astounding world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, unique theories form the backbone of its extensive fandom culture.
Read also: Spider-Man Theory: Madame Web is a Prequel to Andrew Garfield’s The Amazing Spider-Man
As for our friendly neighborhood superhero, the Tom Holland iteration of the acclaimed character has revealed, or rather barely mentioned; minutely hinted at how the superhero, much like the most common iterations, was bit by a spider. However, we never delved too deep into the logicality of such origins within MCU. Where did the spider come from? Who created it?
As confirmed by Norman Osborn himself in No Way Home, Oscorp does not exist within the MCU. Not yet, at least. Could there be any other link within the cinematic universe that might connect Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and his origins? One fan theory suggests that the answer was right in front of us all along.
Is Tony Stark Responsible For The Spider That Bit MCU Peter Parker?
When it comes to Tobey Maguire’s version of the comic-book superhero, the spider that was responsible for his powers belonged to Columbia University’s genetics laboratory. On the other hand, Andrew Garfield’s genetically modified arachnid stemmed from Oscorp. Both are a direct contrast to what we witnessed in the recent age of Spider-Man films – where no such details were spared.
Fans barely have an idea as to how Tom Holland‘s character got his powers from a spider in the first place, having to rely upon hints and clues instead.
However, this particular theory delves into Tony Stark’s psychology, Peter’s unexplained origins, and the reasons behind Tony feeling a strong sense of responsibility toward the young superhero. As speculated by the fan, the theory suggests that the radioactive spider that Holland’s Parker got bit by was created by Stark Industries. This theory ties up several loose ends of the MCU Spider-Man premise.
The Connection Between Peter Parker And Tony Stark
This assumption is mainly reliant on a big “What if?”
When it comes to Peter’s admiration for Tony Stark, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., we have witnessed how influential the latter was for the former, especially as a mentor figure. We all know from a confirmed fan theory, attested by Holland himself, that Peter visited the Stark Expo that was featured in Iron Man 2. In line with this confirmed theory, he was also saved by Tony during the intense battle sequence. Such interaction may have solidified the deep respect Peter harbors for Tony.
With Holland’s Peter Parker confirmed to have visited the Stark Expo as a child, what if a few years later, he went to another Expo organized by Stark Industries and got bit by a radioactive spider that the corporation was responsible for having made? While it may feel like the theory just jumped lengths, it would make sense for the multinational industrial venture to pioneer such a radioactive research endeavor – after all, with the major absence of Oscorp, the leading tech-conglomerate laboratory happens to be Stark Industries.
Other companies do exist within the periphery of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the importance of Stark Industries is undeniable and quite frankly, unparalleled.
Tony Constantly Having To Monitor Spider-Man’s Actions
Upon knowing that a potentially dangerous radioactive spider has been accidentally unleashed into the world, which was the very creation of his company, what would a leading billionaire industrialist and CEO do? Do some surface-level research, of course.
There are several questions this theory answers. Obviously, it wouldn’t take much trouble for a man as powerful and influential as Tony Stark to gain or access information and recruit a superhero to shape the future of the Earth. However, to see a New York-based teenage hero, seemingly possessing the qualities of a spider, especially after a radioactive arachnid goes missing from a leading scientific corporation would get the cogs of anyone’s brain moving.
From then and there, Tony would feel an earnest sense of responsibility towards Holland’s Peter Parker. From constantly monitoring him in Spider-Man: Homecoming, to feeling a persistent urge to mentor and guide him, the industrialist’s motives are perfectly explained from the fan theory.
Feeling burdened by the result of his own creation, Tony may have sensed both a potential for his cause (re: Civil War) and the need to safeguard the young hero, helping him navigate the murky waters of the superhero lifestyle – well beyond a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
At the end of the day, this is just another fan theory.
It may have its fair share of loopholes but the lack of proper detailing on MCU Peter Parker’s origin story does raise several questions. One can only hope such ambiguities are answered in the future. Until then, the fan theories shall reign.
Spider-Man: No Way Home – The More Fun Stuff Version is out in theatres now.
Source: YouTube
