Spider-Man has won over millions of fans in a world where superheroes are a popular cultural phenomenon. Many actors, including Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire, have donned the iconic red and blue suit. But it appears that Oscar Isaac has made a strong impact and woven his way into the hearts of Spider-Man fans everywhere. How? As we recently discovered, “Canon event”, a trend that began following the release of Isaac’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, has secured a spot in Oxford’s top slang words of this year.
Isaac portrayed an Irish and Mexican ninja-vampire Spider-Man from Earth-928, which takes place in 2099, in a 2023 animated Columbia Pictures superhero film. For those who are unaware, the release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse sparked this Canon event trend. With Isaac’s “Canon event,” Spider-Man’s story arc reached a turning point, connecting with a broader audience as well as ardent fans.
Oscar Isaac Beat Andrew Garfield as the Most Iconic Spider-Man?
Given how many incredible, ground-breaking performances Spider-Man has had, it can be challenging to pull this one off (Tobey Maguire and Tom Holland have beautifully pulled off this role before). However, there was something very comfortable about seeing Andrew Garfield play Peter Parker; he even returned to the role as though he had never left it. Thus, there was no denying that he had a great time donning the Spidey suit once again.
However, the latest information published by The Guardian is what has taken the internet by storm. Notably, the term Canon event from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, used by Oscar Isaac‘s Spider-Man 2099, has appeared on Oxford’s list of the top slang words of this year.
The storyline and the basic framework of the Spider-Verse are heavily reliant on the Canon event. According to Spider-Man 2099, also known as Miguel O’Hara, the term refers to shared experiences that bind the Spider-Verse together.
TheBeauLife claims that Inside Out’s ‘core memories’ meme served as inspiration (2015) for this term. Canon in the meme expounded on its unique meaning, which is defined as ‘ironic (if not actually painful)’ real-life experiences.
Meanwhile, the trendy, popular slang term, according to Business Insider, describes a life experience that may be challenging, agonizing, or embarrassing but is essential to one’s personal growth.
Fans React as ‘Canon Event’ is Named One of Oxford’s Top Slang Words of 2023
The addition of Oscar Isaac’s ‘Canon event’ to Oxford’s list of the top slang terms of 2023 only serves to reinforce the widespread belief that Miguel O’Hara / Spider-Man 2099 will cement its place as one of the most cherished superheroes in pop culture history. Additionally, fans have been remarkably vocal about the recent news, with one adding:
Hahah no way. The people have spoken!!
— CinemaBums (@Cinema_Bums) December 4, 2023
Another claimed:
NGL This movie was a cannon event in my life and inspired me to pursue my passion for entertainment again.
— Gubjub 👀 (@gubjub67) December 4, 2023
One fan noted:
If anyone wants to understand the deeper meanings in Across the Spider-Verse, like how the canon event applies to your life, check this outhttps://t.co/Cq2WFa3iM5
— Film Colossus (@FilmColossus) December 5, 2023
A fan chimed:
Hilarious since this movie actively opposes that idea, yet the other multiverse superhero movie from this year that DOES support this concept has been quickly forgotten
— Gabe Schmidt (@GeekDStudios) December 4, 2023
One fan shared:
Oh, Dang. Something tells me the next film will have more than one canon event 😭
— Jashawn Griffith (@JashawnGriffith) December 4, 2023
Another fan jokingly pointed out:
Gwen wasn’t joking, he really does look like dark Garfield.
— SuperNerdBoy (@SuprNrdBoy) December 5, 2023
Critical praise was bestowed upon Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse for its stylized animation, visual aesthetic, and narrative, among others. It outperformed its predecessor, earning $690.5 million worldwide at the box office and shattering multiple records.
The third installment in the trilogy, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, is currently in production.
Meanwhile, you can watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on Netflix.
