How Spider-Man 4 Can Benefit from Ant-Man and The Wasp’s Key Strategy

Overview

Spider-Man 4 might draw inspiration from Ant-Man and the Wasp by exploring past events.
A condensed timeline could lend itself to a more intimate storyline centered on Spider-Man’s personal growth.
Introducing a local villain would offer a welcome shift from the grand narratives typical of blockbuster hits like Avengers: Doomsday.

While there’s currently no confirmed release date for the eagerly awaited Spider-Man 4, fans are buzzing with anticipation over what direction the beloved web-slinger will take next in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

This upcoming installment is set to follow Avengers: Doomsday, a film expected to have substantial implications for the broader MCU narrative. However, it’s possible that Spider-Man 4 will not directly follow up on that storyline but instead look into the past—much like Ant-Man and the Wasp did.

The Precedent Set by Ant-Man and the Wasp

Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly in costume in Ant-Man and the Wasp

Ant-Man and the Wasp, the second film in its series, cleverly navigated its timeline by placing its narrative during the “blip,”the five-year gap in the MCU. Released after Avengers: Infinity War, the film did not focus on the immediate aftermath of Thanos’s actions but instead added depth to Scott Lang’s story during those tumultuous years, helping to flesh out his character before Avengers: Endgame took center stage.

This strategic storytelling choice provided a much-needed breather for both the franchise and its audience while simultaneously enriching the character’s development. Marvel Studios successfully demonstrated its ability to craft compelling standalone narratives that enhance rather than detract from the larger arc—an approach that could serve Spider-Man 4 well, especially given the time gap since Spider-Man: No Way Home.

The Case for Revisiting the Past in Spider-Man 4

The timeline between Spider-Man: No Way Home and Spider-Man 4 will stretch significantly, yet numerous developments will unfold within the MCU during that time. The specifics of Peter Parker’s involvement in Avengers: Doomsday remain uncertain. However, audiences would expect that the events of this film will ripple into Parker’s world.

Considering Peter Parker’s journey following No Way Home, where Doctor Strange casts a spell that erases people’s memories of him—including those of his closest friends—it’s clear that the character’s emotional landscape is ripe for exploration. To depict Spider-Man’s growth effectively, it’s essential to reveal how these drastic changes alter his reality.

Following a strategy similar to Ant-Man and the Wasp could allow for an engaging retrospective in Spider-Man 4. By turning back time, the film could bridge the gap between the previous installment and the upcoming Avengers film, illuminating Spider-Man’s experiences and emotional fallout during this formative period. This focus on character development will be integral to his evolution within the MCU.

A More Grounded Narrative in Spider-Man 4

Shifting the time frame of Spider-Man 4 could profoundly benefit not only the character but also the storytelling approach employed by Marvel. Up to this point, the Spider-Man films have featured high-stakes scenarios that significantly alter the trajectory of the MCU. However, the fourth installment presents a unique opportunity to craft a narrative that is more intimate and relatable.

As Spider-Man grapples with the consequences of his newfound isolation—illustrated by the loss of close connections and the absence of high-tech support from Stark Industries—the story can pivot to focus on his journey of rebuilding relationships and regaining stability in his life. Losing this external assistance will bring him back to basics, emphasizing his core skills and giving him an underdog status that resonates deeply with audiences.

Introducing a low-level antagonist could be exactly what the franchise needs, offering a refreshing pause from the larger-than-life threats typically seen in MCU films. This could allow for a slower-paced, character-driven narrative that resonates with viewers, while also ensuring that Spider-Man maintains his relevance and appeal. Just as this grounded approach benefitted Ant-Man, it could be pivotal for Spider-Man 4 to flourish.

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