Spider-Man 3: Maguire & Garfield Can Warn Holland Of His Biggest Dangers

Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's inclusion in the MCU's upcoming Spider-Man 3 could prove a great asset to Tom Holland's Peter Parker — especially in terms of avoiding some famous betrayals and tragedies. Maguire debuted his version of the popular superhero in 2002's Spider-Man. Directed by Sam Raimi, the film was a critical and commercial success. It was followed up by two direct sequels. A fourth installment was planned, storyboarded, and even principally cast. However, Raimi parted ways with the studio and the franchise was ultimately rebooted.

Directed by the appropriately-named Marc Webb, The Amazing Spider-Man was released in 2012. With Garfield donning the super-suit to acclaim, the film enjoyed a moderate reception and a healthy enough box office to warrant a second outing. The sequel was released in 2014, with Garfield returning alongside Emma Stone's Gwen Stacy. Despite expanding the universe, introducing and otherwise teasing some of the comics' most iconic villains, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 wasn't quite so well received. Though it still enjoyed a decent box office, Sony forged an unprecedented partnership with Marvel Studios and opted to once again reboot the character. This time, Holland took over the role and debuted officially within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This version of the character has since returned to multiple team-up movies and two solo adventures. Following Spider-Man: Far From Home, a third outing has already been confirmed and will draw in elements from several, previously disparate universes.

With it revealed that the MCU's Phase 4 would delve into the multiverse, Jamie Foxx's Electro and Alfred Molina's Doctor Octopus were announced to be returning. Alongside them, it has been reported that their respective heroic foes would return also. Should the plan for Garfield and Maguire to reprise their roles come to fruition, it would mark an interesting opportunity. After all, between them, the two Spider-Men would have a wealth of experience — both seen on-screen and during the interim years. As such, they would be able to help with the various threats and villains currently plaguing Holland's Peter Parker. Furthermore, they'd also be able to warn him of danger he has yet to encounter. Here's a breakdown of the people and events they could preemptively prepare him for.

Norman Osborn

Played by Willem Dafoe, Norman Osborn served as the main antagonist in the first installment of Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy. Initially somewhat of a father-figure to Maguire's wall-crawler, Osborn ultimately descended into madness and became the fledging superhero's trial by fire. The infamous comic book villain has yet to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, despite being betrayed by Mysterio, Holland's Spider-Man will not be short on new mentors — with Doctor Strange and even Daredevil seemingly confirmed for the Spider-Man: Far From Home sequel. Maguire's presence could serve to block Osborn from worming his way onto that list. Whenever he eventually does show up and no matter how benevolent he opts to appear, Maguire's particular experience could ensure that the younger Peter definitively keeps his webs up around him.

Harry Osborn

Both Maguire and Garfield have experience with drastically different interpretations of Harry Osborn. James Franco's version briefly went down a dark path but ultimately stepped up for a sacrificial redemption. Dane DeHaan's Harry, meanwhile, succumbed to villainy and his bitter hatred of Spider-Man in a fuller fashion. No matter the case, both iterations of the hero would likely suggest keeping an eye on any emerging version of their former friend. The benefit of their experience could prompt Holland's Peter to keep Harry more resolutely on the straight and narrow by avoiding the same mistakes that they did. If even such efforts were to fail, the pair would have more than a fair share of tips on how to bring Goblin Jr. down and not be taken off-guard by his methods. This would be especially beneficial in terms in preventing a later, especially-devastating tragedy.

Flint Marko

Thomas Haden Church as Sandman in Spider-Man 3

Played by Thomas Haden Church, Flint Marko found himself transformed into Sandman in the third and final installment of Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy. Eager to provide for his ailing daughter, he utilized his newfound powers for criminal endeavors. The decision quickly brought him into conflict with Maguire's Spider-Man. The animosity between them was further deepened when Peter learned that Marko was actually responsible for Uncle Ben's death. Despite also teaming up with Venom to destroy their common enemy, Sandman ultimately expressed to Peter his remorse for Uncle Ben and everything he'd done since. Choosing to forgive him, Spider-Man float away on the breeze in his sand-form and escape.

The MCU's Spider-Man films have largely glossed over Spider-Man's origin story and opted to not retread Uncle Ben's death. As such, it's unclear who was responsible for the act and how Holland's Peter reacted in the immediate aftermath. Regardless, Maguire's more experienced iteration could further counsel against revenge (with or without the effects of a certain symbiote). As well as this, he could preemptively guide the MCU's Spider-Man to look deeper than just Flint Marko's actions. Of course, any version of Sandman could be entirely different in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Still, it's a good lesson to reiterate that not every criminal they come across is driven by selfish desires and could be stopped by being appealed to as much as defeated in a fight. And even if the new Sandman was more villainous and could only be stopped by a fight, Maguire's Peter could help skip over having to figure out the character's weaknesses.

Curt Connors

rhys ifans as the lizard in amazing spider-man

A version of Curt Connors briefly appeared throughout Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy. However, he wouldn't transform into the monstrous Lizard until The Amazing Spider-Man. Played by Rhys Ifans, he was a colleague of Richard Parker and a resident scientist as Oscorp. Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man would personally give him the equation needed to accomplish the monstrous change. As such, he could definitely school Holland's Peter against doing any such thing. Similarly, should The Lizard emerge independently of Spider-Man's involvement, it would save time trying to solve any mystery of his identity. And if Holland's younger hero was to cross paths with Connors beforehand, there'd be no potential betrayal or the like — as he'd have the advantage of already knowing the scientist's goals and potential consequences.

Eddie Brock

Sony has since reimagined the character as part of its Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters, but the Venom symbiote previously appeared in Raimi's Spider-Man 3. First attaching itself to Maguire's Peter Parker, it made him cockier and more aggressive. After he was able to rid himself of it, the alien creature bonded with Eddie Brock. More readily embracing his newfound powers and darker instincts, Venom bitterly terrorized Peter and his loved ones. Ultimately, however, Spider-Man successfully destroyed the creature (unwittingly taking Eddie along with it). From personal experience, he could warn Holland's Peter from ever interacting with or wearing such a black suit. Equally, having suffered at the hands a Venom-bonded Eddie, he could offer caution on how dangerous such a foe is. That latter wisdom could inadvertently fuel a future conflict between Holland's Spider-Man and Tom Hardy's Venom — with Spidey initially believing him to be every bit the villain that was suggested.

The Death Of Gwen Stacy

Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy Falling Amazing Spider-Man 2

Gwen Stacy's demise is one of comics' most tragic events and was faithfully adapted at the end of The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Both on the page and on-screen, a large portion of the blame rested with a version of Green Goblin, who propelled her into her fateful drop. However, Peter's own actions were also a contributing factor — when the webs that were meant to save her ultimately broke her neck. As things stand in the MCU, there is no Gwen Stacy. Instead, Holland's Peter has recently embarked on a relationship with Zendaya's M.J. That being said, there's no reason why Garfield's Peter wouldn't try to prevent a similar fate befalling the loved ones of other Spider-Men. Though keeping them entirely out of danger would be a near-impossible task, his experience (and subsequent grief-stricken replaying of the event) could lead him to advise a different, safer course of action for such circumstances.

As yet, it's unclear how big of a role Maguire or Garfield would play in the film. Equally, how they could factor into the plot has remained firmly under wraps. Therefore, it's impossible to know how much wisdom (if any) they'd be able to impart. An argument could be made, however, that such a scenario would make an amusing post-credits scene. Each of them could offer up things to know or be cautiously aware of, as Holland's Peter took notes. Conversely, with potentially years of their tenure untold, they could even tease the existence of other Spider-people (like Miles Morales) that Peter should look out for. Whatever the case, it would be a sorely missed opportunity if they didn't at least pass along some of their combined knowledge and experience. Whether or not that actually comes to pass will be made clear when Spider-Man 3 is officially released.

More: Spider-Man 3 Should Bring Back Tobey Maguire (But Not As Spider-Man)