Since 2002, Marvel fans have seen eight different action films about Spiderman (with a ninth one releasing in only a few weeks). From Sam Raimi’s trilogy, the often-maligned Amazing Spider-Man movies, to the MCU’s installments, the popular web-sling hero has accrued a large fanbase due to each actor providing a refreshing and exhilarating take of Peter Parker. The stories are also really interesting and fascinating too.
However, not every aspect of these films, as beloved as they often are, are completely perfect. These films are rife with errors and blemishes, which can be just as entertaining to talk about as the films themselves.
The Amazing Mannequin
One of the most infamous errors in the Spiderman movies occurs in 2002’s Spider-Man. In an iconic scene, Peter Parker rescues Mary Jane after his first encounter with that film’s primary antagonist, the Green Goblin, and swings with her to safety.
However, fans can easily notice that Tobey Maguire is replaced in this scene with a mannequin. While this would make the scene easier to shoot and direct, seeing actor Kirsten Dunst hanging on to a mannequin certainly makes the scene much more humorous.
Eight Years Later
Another famous continuity error occurs near the beginning of Spider-Man: Homecoming. After a flashback that introduces the motivations of the film’s villain, Vulture, a title card reads “Eight Years Later,” where the main events of the film take place.
This would place the film in 2020, but MCU films mostly took place in their year of release, at least until after Avengers: Infinity War. While this error has been addressed, it still is particularly jarring for hardcore MCU fans.
An Iconic Scene With A Glaring Error
Most fans of Spiderman films are acutely aware of one of Spider-Man 2’s most iconic scenes, where Peter Parker nearly sacrifices himself to save a train full of passengers and is protected by them in turn. However, there is a massive error in this scene: the location of the train.
The train this scene takes place in is elevated and above ground, making for an iconic setting. However, New York City does not have any elevated trains like this in the modern era. While this issue is sizable, it doesn’t change the impact of this scene.
The Abundance of Tritium
An important point of the plot of Spider-Man 2 is Otto Octavius’ plan to build a fusion reactor as a source of renewable energy. The reactor is powered by tritium, which Octavius puts significant emphasis on being incredibly rare, with only twenty-five pounds existing. At first glance, fans might think that Tritium is another fictional material (such as adamantium or vibranium).
However, if fans take a look at the Environmental Protection Agency, tritium is a real compound, and while it is rare, it is nowhere near as uncommon as Otto Octavius would suggest. Tritium occurs naturally but is also a byproduct of nuclear facilities, as well as nuclear weapon testing in the mid-twentieth century.
Goggles Are Not Required
As Otto Octavius’ creation of the tritium reactor is such an important event in Spider-Man 2, it is no surprise that it has its own number of inaccuracies. When Otto demonstrates his reactor to a large crowd before its spectacular failure, he wears a set of goggles as he works.
Not only is this a fun nod to his comic costume, but the reactor notably has a ball of plasma in its center. However, none of the other on-lookers are wearing protective eye gear. Hopefully standing a few feet away will protect their eyes enough.
Repeating Café Extras
Partway through Spider-Man 3, Peter and Harry Osborn go to a café and talk. While the scene itself is unobtrusive enough, some of the extras might be distracting for viewers who look closely.
During the conversation, some background extras can be seen ordering coffee. However, it is soon evident that the same three extras, two women and a man, loop back and forth from the counter multiple times during the conversation.
Some Minor Scientific Errors
In The Amazing Spider-Man, the scientist, Curt Connors, is a major character, acting as both one of Peter Parker’s confidants and as the main antagonist later on when he transforms into the monstrous lizard.
Notably, herpetology also encompasses the study of amphibians as well (via Nature). However, some of the things Curt says might be disconcerting for scientists in the audience. For example, Curt described his field of study, herpetology, as the study of reptiles. While this is true, it is not entirely accurate.
Who Designed This Mask?
In one of Spiderman: Homecoming best fight sequences, Peter Parker thwarts a group of thieves attempting to break into an ATM. Each of the criminals is wearing a cheap mask modeled off of a different Avenger, allowing for Spiderman to say some of his famous quips as he fights.
However, the Thor mask one thief is wearing is particularly odd. The helmet is based on Thor's early comic design, complete with a silver, winged helmet. However, Thor never wore such a helmet in the MCU, lending doubt as to what the mask is based on in-universe.
Brooklyn Bridge Error
Near the end of The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter and his girlfriend, Gwen, have an important conversation while perched on top of the Brooklyn Bridge. While this happens, the pair stand on top of a metal globe on top of the bridge as they overlook New York City.
However, there is one simple error with this scene. In actuality, these globes do not exist. Instead, the top of the Brooklyn Bridge is completely flat.
Cars In Venice
In Spider-Man: Far From Home, Peter and his fellow classmates stay in Venice for the first act of the film, and as the first leg of their school trip in Europe. When it comes time for them to leave the city, a bus picks them up as they move to their next destination.
However, it would be impossible for this to happen in Venice. Motor vehicles, let alone buses, are not allowed in the tourist center of Venice, as they would not be able to navigate through the canals and tight streets (according to Fascination Venice).