How I Would've Done It

Marvel Studios' 'Spider-Man 4', titled 'Spider-Man: Web Of Memories'

The MCU's Spider-Man trilogy ended with a poignant and heartbreaking twist: Peter Parker is forgotten by everyone, forced to live in isolation after Doctor Strange's memory-altering spell. As rumors swirl about Spider-Man 4 being yet another multiverse-centric film, I couldn't help but imagine a different direction for the story. Instead of diving into more multiverse madness, I would've gone back to Spider-Man's roots—keeping it street-level, intimate, and emotionally charged. This is how I would've done it. My film would've been titled Spider-Man: Web of Memories, focusing on Peter Parker as he tries to piece together his life post-No Way Home. It's about loss, moving on, and rebuilding from scratch—something we can all relate to in some way.

At the start of the film, Peter Parker is entering a new chapter in his life. He's graduated high school through the GED after the spell erased his identity from everyone's memory. MJ and Ned are gone, living their lives unaware of the monumental impact Peter once had on them. Peter, too, is moving forward, though the weight of being forgotten by his closest friends lingers heavily on his shoulders. We find Peter on his first day of college at Empire State University. He's not the same wide-eyed kid from Homecoming or Far From Home. Now, Peter is quieter, more reserved, and focused on his future as he navigates this new world alone. Though still Spider-Man, he has no one to rely on in his personal life—no mentor, no "guy in the chair," no support system. For Peter, this is truly the start of something new and uncertain.

In this film, Peter makes new friends, each bringing something fresh to his life. One of them is Gwen Stacy, a confident, smart, and witty student who's part of his science program. Gwen has her own baggage, but she quickly forms a connection with Peter. Unlike MJ and Ned, Gwen doesn't have the history of knowing Peter's double life, which makes their relationship both simpler and more complex. They can form something genuine, unburdened by the weight of Spider-Man—at least for now. Another important character is Peter's new dorm roommate, Harry Osborn. Yes, Harry Osborn returns to the story, but this is an MCU take on the character. Harry is kind and charming, but with an underlying darkness that Peter senses but can't quite place. The Osborn name is still tied to a wealthy family legacy, but Harry's past is shrouded in mystery. He's estranged from his father, a storyline that will gradually unfold. As Peter navigates his new friendships, he can't help but remember those he's lost—MJ, Ned, Aunt May, Tony Stark. The Web of Memories represents the emotional connections that linger in his mind. Even though he's physically alone, their influence remains, pushing Peter to be the hero he needs to be, even if no one knows his name anymore.

The main villain of the story is Kraven the Hunter. Kraven is unlike any foe Peter has faced before. He's not just another criminal or mad scientist; he's a relentless predator, hunting Spider-Man as if he were his greatest prey. Kraven is introduced as a ruthless, highly skilled tracker from Russia, who's traveled to New York for one purpose—capturing the Spider. Throughout the film, Kraven's presence looms large. Peter quickly realizes that this isn't just some common thug. Kraven is methodical, always one step ahead, studying Spider-Man's every move. He forces Peter to push himself to the limit, not just physically, but mentally. For the first time, Peter faces a foe who doesn't want to conquer the world or seek revenge—Kraven is simply hunting for sport. To him, Spider-Man is the ultimate trophy. The tension rises as Kraven gets closer, setting traps and outwitting Peter in ways that leave him vulnerable and questioning his every decision. The stakes are personal. Kraven doesn't care about Peter Parker—he's after Spider-Man. This challenge forces Peter to tap into the depth of his experience, to use his wits and will to survive.

Just when Peter seems to be at his breaking point, a familiar face steps into the fray—Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil. This isn't just a cameo like in No Way Home; Daredevil becomes a key ally in the latter half of the film. Peter, overwhelmed by Kraven's relentless pursuit, finds himself needing help, and Matt is the one who answers the call. Together, they form a unique bond. Matt understands loss and loneliness in ways that Peter can relate to. Their interactions are less about mentorship and more about two street-level heroes finding solace in their shared burdens. Daredevil helps Peter navigate the darker side of the vigilante life, showing him that even when you feel forgotten, your actions matter. Their team-up is electric, blending the acrobatics and wit of Spider-Man with the brutal, grounded fighting style of Daredevil. Together, they bring a street-level intensity to the battle against Kraven, who's proving to be more dangerous than either of them expected.

As the film progresses, Kraven's motivations are revealed—he was hired to hunt Spider-Man. But by who? The answer comes at the end of the film, in a shocking twist: the man behind Kraven's mission is none other than Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin of Crime. Fisk's introduction into the MCU sets up not just a future conflict for Spider-Man, but also positions him as a key figure in the street-level crime of New York. With his powerful connections, Fisk has been pulling the strings from behind the scenes, hoping to rid the city of its most formidable hero: Spider-Man. Fisk's reveal teases the next chapter for Peter, opening the door for future battles that could involve both Spider-Man and Daredevil, while setting Fisk up as a major antagonist for the Spider-Man universe moving forward.

Spider-Man: Web of Memories ends with Peter emerging from his trials stronger but still haunted by the people and the memories he's left behind. Gwen and Harry remain part of his life, though Harry's mysterious past suggests that there's more to his story than Peter realizes. With Kraven defeated and Fisk looming in the shadows, Peter knows that this is just the beginning of his journey as the forgotten Spider-Man. But the film doesn't end on a hopeless note. As Peter swings through the streets of New York, he reflects on the memories that once weighed him down but now propel him forward. Though no one remembers him, Peter knows who he is—and that's enough. In the end, Web of Memories is about Peter Parker rediscovering his purpose, not through the validation of others, but through his own resolve to protect the city he loves.