Warning: contains major spoilers for Spider-Man: No Way Home
The years’ worth of anticipation for MCU’s Spider-Man: No Way Home has finally been worth the wait, with the movie rounding off Tom Holland’s Home trilogy. The multiverse aspect of things brought in loads of protagonists and villains from around the Spider-Man movies. Unlike most MCU entries, this one has a larger pool of characters to consider.
Ultimately, there was something to love about everyone involved, with both the heroes and antagonists having redemptive traits. Still, some are likable than others for various reasons, and it’s worth looking into how this multiversal story’s characters were adapted.
Green Goblin
Green Goblin played true to his role in the larger Spider-Verse storylines to be the main antagonist in No Way Home. While the Norman Osborn identity was likable, the actions of his split personality are too heinous to overlook, as the Goblin took the life of Aunt May.
In fact, the Goblin was the reason everything spiraled into chaos by the climax of the movie, because he intended to take over the new reality he’d been transported to. More than anything, fans will hate on Green Goblin for causing everlasting misery to MCU’s Spider-Man.
Lizard
The Lizard’s role was very subdued in comparison to the other villains, with the character largely making negative remarks over the likelihood of being cured. As a result, there wasn’t really anything to get attached to the character other than his connection with his universe’s Spider-Man.
The Lizard didn’t look to reform like some of the rest of the villains, with his change coming about when he was finally cured. Altogether, he wasn’t the kind of character many would have cared for, not when there were more interesting villains.
Electro
The appearance of Electro finally answered the unresolved question from The Amazing Spider-Man movies regarding his status, as it turned out he was pulled away moments before his intended demise. For the most part, viewers were led to believe that he was a power-hungry jerk when he was transported into the MCU.
He was all too willing to be part of the villainous crew until the climax, where his sympathetic aspect came to light. As it turned out, he just didn’t want to go back to being a loser and returned to his former nice guy persona after reconciling with his universe’s Spider-Man.
Doctor Strange
While MCU fans find Doctor Strange to be a beloved character, he was a problem from Peter’s point of view in the story. Strange treated Peter as something of a rival with a strict demeanor, due to which many might not think of him as too pleasant a person in the movie.
Still, Strange was always just trying to do the right thing and it was revealed he held some level of affection for Peter when he was saddened at the prospect of forgetting his identity. Fans could still see him as an overall ally and hero.
Sandman
Sandman didn’t have as much going on for him, much like Lizard, but he was more likable because he was never technically villainous. He first appeared to help Spider-Man, believing him to be the version he knew, and he wanted to protect him.
His reasons to fight the heroes were noble as well, seeing as Sandman just wanted to return to his daughter, even if it meant not being cured. There was never any reason given to dislike him and fans will be please he’s finally got another chance at a normal life.
Peter Parker 1
There’s little doubt that MCU’s Spider-Man has always been relatable to fans with his everyman persona. However, he was the cause for the disasters and was primarily seen as a rage-filled young man, which would have prevented many from seeing him as a superhero who made them feel safe.
Still, everybody would be inclined to rally for “Peter Parker 1,” as he was identified, with the boy now having lost all his friends and his last remaining family member. He was a good person at heart as always but was a bit rough around the edges.
May Parker
May was the ever-loving aunt as always, with this turning out to be her final appearance. She didn’t show up as much in the film’s opening but she provided Peter with the love and support he needed moments before she perished.
Fans can very much appreciate Aunt May for delivering the famous quote about responsibility to Peter, which cements her as the parental figure that Peter will always hold close to his heart. Even her earlier heartbreak of Happy can be forgiven since her love for Peter was unconditional.
Michelle Jones
It’s a breath of fresh air that a variant of Peter Parker didn’t have relationship problems and his romance with MJ will remain pure now that it seems to have tragically ended. MJ stuck by his side no matter what, even when she could have blamed him.
She was even likable by the end when she was willing to remain in a shattered world because the other option was to forget Peter. Her character completed her development from initial loner to the supportive and caring person Peter truly loved.
Ned Leeds
Ned had the same goofy charm that Peter possessed, so it’s easy to get attached to his character. Moreover, he wasn’t even in a romantic relationship with Peter, yet was just as devoted to his best friend as MJ was and went so far as to successfully use Doctor Strange’s magic to help.
Ned’s comic value gives him more points in the area of likability, with much of the funny moments in the film’s first half provided by Ned. He had the adorable quality going for him that was hard to overlook, enabling him to continue his fan-favorite presence even if it might be the last time.
Doctor Octopus
Otto was initially presented as a straight-up villain because of the corrupted inhibitor chip. He was a total sweetheart after he was cured, following which he wanted to aid the good guys wherever he could and did so during the climactic battle.
Unlike his role in his universe, Otto’s villainous side was played more in the comedic territory, with elements like chewing the scenery to convey the idea that it wasn’t his true personality. His reunion with his universe’s Peter Parker confirmed just how kind his true nature was.
Peter Parker 2
Fans got quite a few unresolved questions answered from the Sam Raimi Spider-Man trilogy when Peter Parker showed up. Tobey Maguire’s version was dubbed “Peter Parker 2” and was just as much of a nice guy as he was in the original series.
Peter’s role was to provide guidance to the others over how an experienced Spider-Man was supposed to be without compromising on his innate goodness. He had something of a fatherly attitude around the others, which longtime fans will love since it confirms his character development.
Peter Parker 3
Titled as “Peter Parker 3” by the others, Andrew Garfield’s version was the pick of the bunch when it comes to lovable personalities. He revealed he always wanted brothers and showed traits of being funny, vulnerable, and loving toward the other characters, especially his variants.
He was finally given a redemption arc when he saved MJ’s life, allowing him to gain closure over his inability to save Gwen. This Peter had the most tortured mentality when introduced, but he realized he could be so much more when around people he trusted. His humanity is what makes him such a perfect representation of the struggles Spider-Man goes through.