The Amazing Spider-Man 3 (2017)
As mentioned earlier, The Amazing Spider-Man 3 (2017) does not exist as an official film. However, I can provide an analysis of the speculated plot and the canceled third installment based on discussions, leaked concepts, and unofficial fan ideas that were circulating after the cancellation of The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
Background and Cancellation
After the moderate commercial and critical reception of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), Sony faced a dilemma about the future of the Spider-Man franchise. The film’s underperformance, combined with creative differences, led to the shelving of the planned Amazing Spider-Man 3. The movie was supposed to continue Peter Parker’s story, delve into his relationship with Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), and introduce a number of iconic villains. However, the failure of the second film forced Sony to reassess their strategy.
The Planned Plot of The Amazing Spider-Man 3 (as speculated)
Though never realized, the planned storyline for the third film in the series was speculated to include a few key elements:
1.The Sinister Six: One of the major storylines set up for the third movie was the formation of the Sinister Six, a team of supervillains from Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery. Characters such as the Green Goblin (Harry Osborn), Doctor Octopus, Vulture, Electro, and others were expected to join forces against Spider-Man. The concept of these villains being introduced in the third film could have led to an epic showdown.
2.Peter’s Struggles with Gwen’s Death: Following the tragic death of Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker was supposed to grapple with his grief and emotional turmoil. The absence of Gwen would likely have played a significant role in Peter’s journey, perhaps pushing him into darker territory as he fought with both his superhero identity and his loss.
3.Venom and Carnage: Rumors indicated that The Amazing Spider-Man 3 would have also introduced Venom and potentially Carnage, setting the stage for an expanded universe. Eddie Brock/Venom was expected to be a key figure, with Carnage as an even more dangerous antagonist.
4.Harry Osborn’s Transformation: The conclusion of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 hinted that Harry Osborn would fully embrace his role as the Green Goblin. His battle with Peter could have been a central theme, as the once-close friends turned bitter enemies in a tragic confrontation.
5.Peter’s Maturation: The third movie might have explored Peter becoming a more responsible and seasoned superhero, balancing his personal life with his duties as Spider-Man. The film could have seen him stepping more fully into the role of a hero and learning to deal with the consequences of his actions.
Reception and Legacy
While it’s impossible to truly review a film that never existed, the anticipation for The Amazing Spider-Man 3 was high before the project’s cancellation. Fans were curious about how Marc Webb would close Peter’s arc and what direction the Spider-Man franchise would take. However, given the mixed reception to The Amazing Spider-Man 2, there was also significant skepticism about whether the third movie could deliver a satisfying conclusion.
When Spider-Man was rebooted within the MCU, it took the character in a different direction under Tom Holland’s portrayal, focusing more on a youthful, lighter version of Peter Parker. This shift may have ultimately benefited the character, as the Amazing Spider-Man series struggled to find its identity within a rapidly changing superhero landscape.
Conclusion
The cancellation of The Amazing Spider-Man 3 marked the end of Andrew Garfield’s run as Spider-Man, and while fans were disappointed not to see the planned story unfold, the shift toward the MCU ultimately brought a fresh take on the character. The potential of The Amazing Spider-Man 3 remains an interesting “what-if” scenario in the world of superhero films. Had it been made, it might have explored complex emotional themes, intense villain showdowns, and more of the potential of Spider-Man’s cinematic world, but it was ultimately overshadowed by the changes in direction that brought the character into a new era.