Marvel Theory: Spider-Man 3 Introduces The Defenders (But Not Netflix's)

With Spider-Man 3, Marvel has a chance to properly introduce the Defenders into the MCU, but not the version of the group that viewers know from Netflix’s TV show. In Netflix's The Defenders, the core team consisted of four Marvel characters who had previously headlined their own shows: Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage. One in particular, Daredevil, will reportedly appear in Spider-Man 3.

The Netflix shows were set in the MCU, but none were ever incorporated into any of the MCU films. For years, there were fans who wanted the characters from these shows to receive representation or at least some form of acknowledgement in a Marvel movie, but it never happened. Hope of that occurring in the future dimmed when Marvel’s deal with Netflix terminated. Because of the terms of the deal, it certainly delayed their inclusion, but it didn’t make them appearing impossible. Now, Marvel has access to Daredevil again. This of course led to great interest in the Man Without Fear being revived in the MCU.

Charlie Cox’s Daredevil is rumored to appear in the MCU, making his feature film debut in Spider-Man’s third solo film. He will supposedly be a part of a large cast of iconic characters that includes Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), the Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire incarnations of Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2’s Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina), The Amazing Spider-Man 2’s Electro (Jamie Foxx), and more. Daredevil and Doctor Strange being in the movie indicates that Marvel will do much more than just focus on Spider-Man characters. It may be that Marvel will use them to form the Defenders.

Why Marvel Should Use The Classic Defenders

The founding members of the Defenders: Namor, Hulk, and Doctor Strange

When casual fans think of the Defenders, what may come to mind is a group of street-level heroes comprised of heroes like Daredevil and Luke Cage. This is the version that Netflix went with for its Defenders team, but that’s not the way they were originally envisioned. In the early 1970s, they were conceived as a trio of powerhouses. In their first appearance in 1971’s Marvel Feature #1, three of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel Universe — Doctor Strange, Hulk, and Namor (who may appear in the Doctor Strange sequel) came together to save the world. Shortly after that, they were joined by Silver Surfer. Other mainstays of the group include Nighthawk and Valkyrie.

Contrary to Netflix and modern comics’ grounded approach to the Defenders, the classic team faced much bigger threats, many of which being extraterrestrial or interdimensional in nature. They also called themselves a “non-team,” which means that they didn’t really see themselves as an organization on the same level as the Avengers. In the beginning, the Defenders felt that they only needed to assemble when the Earth needed them.

This definition of the Defenders is decidedly different from the one that Netflix used, and that’s primarily why it’s the one the MCU should use. The Defenders wasn’t a big hit, so there really isn’t a good reason why Marvel should try to recreate them perfectly. But, the Defenders are one of the biggest names in Marvel Comics and they do deserve proper MCU representation. Marvel should work them in, but at the same time they should distance them from the Netflix team in order to create something that feels unique and original. The best way to do that is to bring in Doctor Strange’s Defenders.

Why Spider-Man Should Be A Defender

Tom Holland as Spider-Man in Spider-Man Far From Home

Spider-Man has fought alongside the Defenders in the past, plus he worked with Doctor Strange in the Secret Defenders, but he really isn’t an important part of the classic team. That being said, Spider-Man does feel like a logical fit for an MCU adaptation. In the Silver Age of Marvel Comics, Peter Parker declined an offer to join the Avengers and often expressed disinterest in being one of them because he felt that he didn’t have time for it. Peter had his own problems and didn’t want to have expectations put on him as an Avenger. It also didn’t help that he was a poor team player (a fact that was recognized by Captain America himself in the early 1990s). The MCU’s Spider-Man (Tom Holland) hasn’t always been good at following orders either, and he does seem to do his best work when able to do his own thing. That’s part of why it may be good move for Marvel to move Spider-Man away from the Avengers and toward the Defenders. If Peter is somehow allowed to return to a normal life, he may share his comic counterpart’s views about balancing a high school life with the duties of being a member of the Avengers. It would be better for him to be a Defender, someone who only has to work with others when there’s an emergency, and doesn’t really have to worry about rules and responsibilities.

How MCU Phase 4 Can Use Marvel’s Defenders

Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock Daredevil Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange Tom Holland as Peter Parker Spider-Man MCU

It may be that the heroes who come together to defeat Spider-Man 3’s villain will be the MCU’s take on the Defenders. Among them could be Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Daredevil, and possibly one or two more. It may be that they’ll meet through the multiverse, which is confirmed to play a big role in the story. Charlie Cox’s Daredevil may cross over from an alternate timeline and help the two in their mission. If Daredevil’s presence in the story is more than just a cameo, he could actively participate in the action. Having him on the MCU’s Defenders roster would be a good move, because even though Marvel may not want to draw too much from the Netflix show, throwing in Daredevil could please fans of Charlie Cox’s character.

As for the other characters present, Marvel would admittedly only have one classic Defender on the roster via the Sorcerer Supreme if it only uses the three heroes. However, that could change in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The movie, which is likely to continue what Spider-Man 3 started, can build on what was created in the previous film. Doctor Strange 2 can expand on the team and make it look much more recognizable to those familiar with the 1970s and 1980s comics. Marvel already has Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) in the MCU, which would make it easy for either to be added. Through the multiverse, Marvel could also incorporate long-time Doctor Strange ally and occasional Defenders leader Nighthawk. There’s a chance that Namor the Sub-Mariner could make an appearance as well. The Defenders may not get their own movie, but they may not need one if they get enough to do in Spider-Man 3 and Doctor Strange 2.

More: Why Spider-Man 3 Is A Better Multiverse Story Than Doctor Strange 2