Which MCU Superhero Will Join Spider-Man 2?

When the news broke that Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures had struck a deal to allow Spider-Man to exist in the MCU, fans were over the moon. For the average moviegoer, however, it didn’t mean much more than another Spidey reboot. That all changed with the character’s introduction in Captain America: Civil War, which aligned Tom Holland’s updated web-slinger with the global popularity of Marvel’s movies.

To Marvel and Sony’s credit, the connection didn’t end there. In an effort to further promote Spidey’s solo debut in the MCU, they decided to add the franchise’s biggest star to the cast. With Robert Downey, Jr. appearing as Tony Stark/Iron Man in Spider-Man: Homecoming, the point is driven home to general audiences that Spidey and the Avengers not only operate in the same world, but team-up together for adventures. For comic fans, it’s the continuation of the promise offered by the shared universe model. For the average moviegoer, it’s a tacit guarantee that Sony’s new Spider-Man film will be on par with Marvel’s other movies.

All that said, it wasn’t much of a surprise when it was reported that Iron Man won't be back for Spider-Man: Homecoming 2. After all, it’s Peter’s story, not Tony’s. Luckily, Marvel aren’t done with their innovative marketing strategy and have said another hero will be making an appearance in the sequel—so let’s break down which character that might be.

Captain America

On the surface, Captain America seems like the most obvious addition to Homecoming’s sequel. For one, he and Spidey have had a lot of adventures together in the comics. He also offers a sort of anti-Tony in terms of a mentor for Spider-Man. As Civil War and both Avengers movies have shown, Steve Rogers and Tony Stark have two very different philosophies when it comes to being a superhero. While Tony and Peter certainly have a few things in common, the wall-crawler is a lot more akin to Steve, what with his selflessness and gee-whiz demeanor.

Spidey and Steve have already connected a bit. In Civil War, we got a taste of the two New Yorkers' banter, and it would be great to see that expanded upon with a larger role for Cap in a Spidey story. Plus, the seeds for the appearance have already been planted thanks to the video Peter and Ned watch in gym class featuring Captain America.

Ant-Man

Aside from the obvious comedy of Spider-Man and Ant-Man both having similar names, Peter Parker and Scott Lang would be a dream team of quips. Ant-Man and the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise are as close as Marvel’s gotten towards an outright comedy, and Spidey is well-known for letting his mouth get the best of him. Both Scott and Peter are awkwardly cocky, and seeing Tom Holland and Paul Rudd riff together would be amazing.

There’s always heart at the center of a Spidey story, but like with Tony, Ant-Man would ensure that humor was at the forefront of the Homecoming sequel. Plus, Ant-Man likely wants a rematch with Spidey after the web-slinger Empire Strikes Back’d him in Civil War.

Nick Fury

Nick Fury may be the most obvious inclusion for the Homecoming sequel. Since the beginning of the MCU, he’s served as the connective tissue between various properties. His absence from Civil War, however, means that he’s yet to meet the newest Avenger. It’s unclear what the status of Fury or S.H.I.E.L.D. is at the moment—at least in the movies—so there’s no telling how connected the former director still is to the superhero community. Still, he’s the type of man that would be eager to vet the powerful, young hero swinging around New York.

There’s also likely no better pairing than the earnest smart alec and the cantankerous G-man. Watching Fury and Spidey go toe-to-toe would not only be hilarious, but it’d be as close to a live-action version of the Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon as we’ll ever get. Fury will likely be back for Avengers: Infinity War, but with a number of appearances left in his contract, a trip to Queens could be in his future.

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Captain Marvel

At first blush, Captain Marvel may not seem like the most obvious partner for Spider-Man. One’s an Air Force pilot imbued with cosmic powers who protects Earth and space, the other’s a mouthy kid who swings around New York battling thieves and mad scientists. But it’s their juxtaposition that would make them such a fun pair. Plus, they’ve got a lot of comic history.

While Ms. Marvel and Spidey shared plenty of adventures in the past, especially as part of various Avengers groups, it was shortly after Carol Danvers’ rebranding that they had one of their most recent team-ups. Back in 2012 (following the umpteenth event to threaten the world), Carol finally decided to ditch her gendered name and ludicrous outfit and finally become the true Captain Marvel. The rebrand was met with massive fan support, and just a few years later Marvel announced the updated character would be getting her own film.

As her very first adventure in the comics as Captain Marvel, Carol hopped over to Avenging Spider-Man #9 to help the wall-crawler out and debuted her new look. The pairing was a blast, and it would be fun to see the movies pay homage to the moment. Of course, Carol will have already debuted in her own film by then, but it will be a great way to boost both character’s profiles by teaming them up.

Hawkeye

While the Hawkeye of the MCU has acted more as the straight-man in the movies so far versus his more outwardly comedic persona on the page, he and Spidey would make for a great pairing. Both in the comics and several animated series, the two heroes have found common ground and formed a sort of sibling rivalry as the lesser Avengers. Sure, Spidey has more powers than most Avengers, but his personality and youth often make him the kid brother of any superhero team. While Hawkeye may be a bit more seasoned, he’s also just a guy with a bow and arrow among titans and gods.

Both characters use humor to distract and disarm opponents, while also providing a front of incompetence despite their deadly abilities. This whole dynamic even played out in Avenging Spider-Man, a few issues before Spidey and Carol teamed up. In the comics, Hawkeye and Spider-Man are paired up and get into a bit of a competition. It’s only at the end that Hawkeye reveals he trains so hard and never misses because if he does, then what good is he on a team of superheroes. It’s a fascinating look behind Clint Barton’s bluster, and the pairing of the two jokesters with a heart of gold could make for some great movie moments.

Falcon

Falcon and Spider-Man haven’t spent a lot of solo time together in the comics, but Sam Wilson’s time with Captain America means they’ve shared a few adventures. There is one moment, however, that’s already been adapted to film.

During Spidey’s battle with Falcon and Winter Soldier in Civil War, he webs up Sam. Similarly, an old tale in the comics say the two fighting and ended with Spidey doing the same thing to Falcon. It’s a nerdy moment that proves the people who work in the Marvel film world are comic fans. It’s also a great way to set-up them meeting again. Falcon has already been shamed by one bug man, so it’d be great to see him and Spidey have a friendly rivalry that was mostly one-sided. They’re also both quick-witted and animal themed, and it’d be cool to see Falcon flying alongside Spidey in New York. Plus, after Spidey’s upcoming battle with the Vulture, Falcon can prove that not all adults in bird costumes are evil.

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Doctor Strange

Like Captain Marvel, Doctor Strange may seem like a longshot for inclusion in a Spider-Man movie. They’ve spent a lot of time mixing it up together in the comics, however, as well as on a number of animated Spider-Man series. Strange and Spidey also share New York in common, with both heroes defined by the city they call home and try to protect.

Spidey has always been one of Marvel’s more grounded and street-level heroes, despite his fantastic powers. Doctor Strange is quite the opposite, but therein lies the intriguing nature of a team-up between them. Though they didn’t get to meet in Civil War, they’ll hopefully meet in Infinity War and can trade some New York stories. The Doctor Strange of the MCU is also a bit more of a smart alec, making him a nice match for Spidey. Plus, with the sorcerer showing up in Thor: Ragnarok, we know he’s keen on helping other heroes out, especially if their mission potentially threatens New York.

Hulk

Thor seems a bit too far-out for an appearance in the Homecoming sequel, but the Hulk could be just right. On the surface, he would seem out of place in the film, but a side plot where Peter has to stop a rampaging Hulk would be straight out of the comics. Even better, Bruce Banner would make for the perfect buddy for Peter Parker.

Spidey and Tony already share a lot in common, but Bruce would offer a softer side. Like Cap, he’d be a different sort of mentor for Peter, but one who also knows his science and tech. Even if the Other Guy never showed up, a pairing between Bruce and Peter would be a lot of fun, and Parker would make a great addition to the growing Science Bros club.

Longshots

So far, we’ve been looking at movie characters who could show up to lend some Marvel cred to the Homecoming sequel. Of course, the new Spidey will be well-established by the time his next solo film rolls around. It could be that rather than an Avenger, Marvel will finally make good on their shared universe plans and introduce some characters from TV to the films. While Infinity War seems like the perfect place to do that, it could be that a smaller film would be more fitting.

For one thing, someone like Coulson could easily show up and interact with Spidey without getting into the whole ‘death’ thing with the other Avengers. As the leader of SHIELD, it makes sense that’d he’d be aware of the web-slinger, and they’ve had a number of encounters in the comics. Clark Gregg even voices Coulson on Ultimate Spider-Man.

An even better group of characters to pull in, however, would be the Defenders. Like Spidey, the Netflix heroes are all based in New York and operate more on the street level than the Avengers. In the comics, Spidey has had tons of adventures with Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Daredevil, and even the Punisher. Any of those pairings would be a blast to see on the big screen, and would finally connect the TV and movie worlds.

Of course, the ultimate cameo would be from one of Spidey’s greatest villains, Kingpin. Though the crime boss has certainly been a thorn in the side of Daredevil in the comics, fans have long wanted to see Wilson Fisk take on Spidey in live-action. With an actor the caliber of Vincent D’Onofrio in the role, Kingpin’s inclusion would also add some star power to the Homecoming sequel. Not to mention D’Onofrio himself is keen on the whole thing. It may be a longshot, but Kingpin, Coulson, or one of the Defenders showing up in Spider-Man: Homecoming 2 isn’t an impossibility.