When  The Amazing Spider-Man hit theaters, it not only had to match wits with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it also had to separate itself from Sam Raimi's trilogy. By keeping the essence of Spider-Man intact, the result was two films that cover Peter Parker's past with his parents' while juggling his relationship with Gwen Stacy as he navigates life as Spider-Man. By The Amazing Spider-Man 2, there were multiple plot threads tying to Peter, his family, the Osborns and their legacy at Oscorp, but one plot thread introduced early in the film was quietly explored and rectified as Harry Osborn tries to cure a debilitating disease.

Rather than have its most significant events and enemies happen sporadically around New York City, The Amazing Spider-Man universe centers all of its troubles around Oscorp, but what few know is that the reason for these radical ventures into pseudoscience was to save Norman Osborn's life. Unfortunately, the only conclusion drawn was Norman's death and a collection of enemies like the Lizard and Electro, who all have ties to the company. Sadly, the only legacy Osborn left behind was a condition known as the Osborn Curse.

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What Is the Osborn Curse in Amazing Spider-Man 2?

Clinically known as Retroviral Hypodysplasia, the Osborn Curse has no actual diseases to base it on. In the films, the condition is tied to the Osborn family and slowly ravages the body before leaving the person in a state where they are in constant pain and can no longer walk. Norman Osborn and Richard Parker tried to find a cure for decades, but Osborn's greed led to his death, as he wanted to weaponize his findings for profit. His malice showed one last time when he reunited with Harry on his deathbed, revealing that his disease is genetic and all he can give is the research he conducted years ago.

With no layout of its symptoms given in the film, it's crucial to take context clues. According to the film, tremors in one hand begin in the patient's early twenties. However, it's followed by a green rash that forms over the body, a pale complexion, whiting of the pupils and constant pain. As it advances, the rashes reveal green scaly skin, clawed hands and sharpened teeth. The resulting image is why the patient will often appear like a goblin. Eventually, the body tires out and quits, leading to death.

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Why Is There No Cure in Amazing Spider-Man 2?

When Norman and Richard worked on a cure, they utilized genetically altered spiders. The results were promising and continued to be funded because Osborn made deals with foreign organizations to turn his work into weapons. Unable to accept this, Richard added his own DNA to the spiders', ensuring the formula that could cure Osborn could never be replicated or used. However, his choice doomed him and his wife in a plane crash orchestrated by Osborn. Nevertheless, the sins of the father made their way to Harry, and due to Norman's greed, he is forced to deal with the fact that the venom from the spiders will never cure him.

Did Harry Osborn Cure Himself In Amazing Spider-Man 2?

Green Goblin (The Amazing Spider-Man 2)

In a final act of desperation, Harry storms Oscorp with Electro, hoping to get a sample of the spider venom Norman and Richard worked on. Unaware that it wouldn't work for him, the serum accelerated his disease. As a result, he appeared in more advanced stages of his ailment, similar to Norman, but his green complexion and jagged teeth were more prominent. To fix the damage done, he put on a performance-enhancing EXO-suit and stole a glider. Ultimately, Harry never cured himself, but the venom turned his disease into a weapon. When he's last seen, he was shown seemingly fully healed and mentioned that his transformation "comes and goes." Therefore, while Harry found a loophole for his condition, he can never escape the Osborn Curse.

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