In an interview for Spider-Man: No Way Home, Tom Holland divulged that a move from Marvel's Spider-Man inspired a scene in No Way Home, which is a striking testament to the quality of Insomniac Games' work. The web-swinging and combat in Insomniac's Spider-Man are well-known at this point, and the same holds true with respect to Insomniac's skill with character development and narrative. Much of this was derived from the hero's other multimedia adventures, including films and the Ultimate Spider-Man comic and animated series.
Marvel's Spider-Man hit PS4 in September 2018, allowing players to step into the tights of an adult Peter Parker struggling with trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Insomniac's exploration of the character's double life garnered praise across the board, with many a critic and player likening the caliber of storytelling to that which has appeared on the big screen. The impressive set-pieces, character animations, and inventive movement mechanics set the bar high for all superhero games that follow Marvel's Spider-Man's release. It's hardly a surprise, then, that things have come full circle, as the likes of No Way Home have in some measure been inspired by the game.
Speaking with Extraordinerd (via Reddit user CptnCASx) to promote Spider-Man: No Way Home, Tom Holland confirmed that at least one move from Marvel's Spider-Man made it into the live-action project. Sony sent Holland a PS5 during the filming of No Way Home, which he used to play the Insomniac title. While applauding the gameplay in the Extraordinerd interview, the actor teased, "there's actually one move that Spider-Man does in the game that we took and he does in the film."
Tom Holland "Absolutely Loved" Marvel's Spider-Man
Tom Holland didn't specify which Marvel's Spider-Man move inspired the action for No Way Home, but one thing seems absolutely certain - the quality of Insomniac's efforts warranted reference in a big-budget, comic book movie production. Of course, the studio responsible for two of PS5's biggest first-year experiences has already proven itself several times over, but influencing the direction of a live-action Spider-Man film, no matter how small the influence, could be perceived as its own special kind of reward.
The crew at Insomniac Games is currently working on Marvel's Spider-Man 2, which is slated for a PS5 release sometime in 2023. As of writing, details about the follow-up entry remain scant at best, but a teaser trailer shown during PlayStation's September 2021 showcase confirmed that both Peter Parker (played by Yuri Lownethal, not Tom Holland) and Miles Morales will suit up for the sequel. The trailer further hinted the duo will face off against at least two formidable villains in the webslinger's gallery of rogues, namely Kraven the Hunter and Venom.
Marvel's Spider-Man is out now on PS4 and PS5; Spider-Man: No Way Home hits theaters December 17.
Source: CptnCASx/Reddit via Extraordinerd/YouTube