Sony released an exciting trailer for Marvel's Spider-Man 2 during 2021's PlayStation Showcase earlier this year, and it gave a ton of new glimpses into the future of not only Spider-Man and his protégé, Miles Morales, but also Doctor Otto Octavius. Also known as Doc Ock, the influence of the previous game's main antagonist was subtly shown in the reveal trailer for Marvel's Spider-Man 2, in the form of some new gear Peter has on his spider-suit. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 will feature Venom and Kraven, but there is a possibility that Doc Ock will be involved too. He was still Peter's mentor in the previous game, and given his new Iron Spider-esque limbs, it could be that he's still taking some cues from Otto.
Many who have played Marvel's Spider-Man will remember Doc Ock as being a mentor to Peter, and almost like a father figure. His story tragically ends once Spider-Man defeats him, rendering his tentacles useless and sending him to the R.A.F.T. While Otto is most likely serving his time incarcerated during the events of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, there is a big possibility he may show up again. He already built the Advanced Suit in the first game, and given the time to reflect on his actions, he may decide that helping Peter again is the right thing.
During Kraven's monologue in the trailer for the upcoming Spidey sequel, the camera cuts to Peter in a new and improved suit, beating up a bad guy with some new mechanical spider arms sticking out of his back. It looks like Insomniac has plans to incorporate these arms, and many other new powers, into Marvel's Spider-Man 2. The arms are similar to the ones seen in the Iron Spider suits from the first game, which included a gadget that utilized spider arms in combat.
Peter Could Use Doc Ock's Tech In Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Similar to how he created the Anti Ock suit in the first game, Peter could use the leftover tech from Octavius' lab to make his mechanical limbs in Marvel's Spider-Man 2. In Marvel's Spider-Man, everything Peter uses - from his gadgets to his new and improved suit introduced at the beginning of the story - is made in Otto's lab. The Advanced Suit is even made by the doctor himself, given to Peter as a gift for Spider-Man, making Doc Ock's betrayal all the more heartbreaking.
Since he will be fighting against threats arguably worse than the Sinister Six in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Peter may return to Otto's lab to create another improved suit, this time using mechanical limbs inspired by Doc Ock. This would also serve as a good emotional beat in the story, as it could show Peter's respect and admiration for his former mentor and lean into the sympathetic elements of Otto's character. It could also expand on their relationship, and perhaps even redeem Otto after all the hurt he caused in the previous game.
Peter Could Meet With Otto On The R.A.F.T. In Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Another possible way the sequel may use Doc Ock could be that Peter may need to visit Otto in prison. Insomniac has plans to make the story of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 darker than its predecessor, so Peter may hit an extremely low point in his life where he has to seek consolation from a familiar face. With all of his other parental figures having passed away, Peter's last resort may be Otto Octavius.
Since the tentacles would most likely have been long shut off since the events of the first game, Otto could be a lot tamer. It's unclear whether they caused any permanent damage or not, but with time, it could be that Otto has mellowed out into his old self. This could lay the groundwork for Doc Ock to seek redemption, and what better way to atone for his sins than helping his ex-apprentice with saving the city. Otto could help Peter create the mechanical arms, thus the Advanced Iron Spider Suit seen in the reveal trailer.
How Peter's Iron Spider Arms May Influence Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Considering how Spider-Man's mechanical arms may play a bigger role in the story of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, it's possible they could behave much more different compared to the ones seen in the first game. In Marvel's Spider-Man, one could only unlock the mechanical limbs by unlocking one of the Iron Spider suits, which came with the gadget. The limbs were cool to use, however, they felt fairly clunky and could only be used in combat. If Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is set to upgrade Peter's Advanced Suit, it's possible that the mechanical limbs could be deepened, and possibly even have uses beyond combat.
One example the limbs could be used for is for faster web climbing. The limbs could carry Peter to reach the top of buildings a lot more quickly than in previous Spider-Man games. They could also be utilized for greater push when swinging around the city, allowing for faster and smoother web-swinging. Insomniac could also build upon combos with the mechanical limbs, with the limbs sprouting out of his back when the focus meter is full, similar to the venom powers in Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Peter's mechanical limbs have already been seen in action in the reveal trailer, where he uses them to push himself upward to throw an enemy in the air.
It will be exciting to see where Insomniac plans to go next with Miles and Peter, and the reveal trailer has caused a ton of fan theories and anticipation for what is to come. Considering how Spider-Man's advanced suit now has mechanical limbs and that the first suit was made by Otto himself, there's definitely a chance that Marvel's Spider-Man 2 will see the return of the eight-limbed antagonist. These limbs could play a large role in the story, and may even show that Peter hasn't given up on his old mentor yet. Given that both Peter and Miles will have to face Venom and Kraven - as well as likely numerous other foes yet to be revealed - Otto could emerge as an unlikely yet valuable ally.