When the Marvel Cinematic Universe got ahold of Tom Holland's Spider-Man, fans were absolutely delighted to see the webslinger kicking butt with the Avengers. Introducing Peter Parker as a protegé of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, was a genius move -- but now the MCU needs to do something other than focus on mentors for the webslinger.
Marvel Studios has announced that Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange will join the third untitled Spider-Man movie, which ostensibly means he'll be another mentor figure for Peter. If that's the case, it's a huge mistake.
When Jamie Foxx's Electro signed on for Spider-Man 3, it was a clear indicator the Multiverse will play a key role in the film. Since Strange's next solo outing is Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, it's no surprise he's going to show up in Spidey's life. However, he shouldn't play a mentor role.
Spider-Man needs to grow and mature, but if Peter continues to be treated like a child who needs supervision, he'll just be Spider-Boy. The MCU doesn't need a doe-eyed kid looking up to a hero again, because it'll feel like a rinse and repeat of his relationship with Stark. The way he admires Captain America is cool. Peter also worked with Strange to fight Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, so seeing them work together again makes sense, as long as Strange treats Peter as an equal.
Spidey has to become a soldier worthy of standing in the upper echelon of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Sure, he's a teen, but this direction also fits with his trajectory in the comics. Since he's become an Avenger, Peter has taken on more responsibility, especially in interactions with the Fantastic Four and the X-Men.
Holland is the right age to portray Peter growing up and becoming an adult. The character has to iron out his romance with Zendaya's M.J. and deal with his identity now being public. It would benefit his growth -- and the MCU overall -- if he navigates these things without supervision from another hero.
Peter doesn't need to be a sidekick or a son or be spoken down to, so if Strange doesn't stifle the web-head, it'll be a progressive move. It's about time Peter starts making his own rules, rather than obeying everyone else's.
Starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, the third MCU Spider-Man film is set for release on Dec. 17, 2021. An official title for Spider-Man 3 has not yet been announced.