Japanese Spider-Man: Will He Appear In No Way Home?

Hey guys! The hype around Spider-Man: No Way Home never really died down, did it? Even now, fans are buzzing about potential cameos and alternate Spider-People swinging into the MCU. One name that keeps popping up in those wishlists is Supaidāman, or the Japanese Spider-Man. Let's dive into why this tokusatsu hero is so beloved and explore the (admittedly slim) chances of him appearing in a future Spider-Man movie.

Who is the Japanese Spider-Man?

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's get everyone on the same page. The Japanese Spider-Man, or Supaidāman, isn't your friendly neighborhood Peter Parker. His alter ego is Takuya Yamashiro, a motorcycle racer who gains his powers from Garia, the last survivor of Planet Spider. Garia injects Takuya with spider DNA, granting him superhuman abilities to fight the evil Professor Monster and his Iron Cross Army. Sounds wild, right?

But that’s not all! Supaidāman has a giant robot called Leopardon! Yes, you read that right. Leopardon is a transforming spaceship/robot that Supaidāman uses to defeat his enemies when they get too big. The show, which aired in Japan in 1978, was a co-production between Toei Company and Marvel Comics, making it an official part of the Marvel multiverse, kinda. This is where things get interesting and why fans have been clamoring for him to appear alongside other Spider-Men.

Why Fans Want Him in No Way Home (or Beyond)

No Way Home opened the door to the multiverse in a big way, bringing together Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland as their respective Spider-Man versions. With the precedent set, fans started dreaming even bigger. Why not bring in other Spider-People from different media? That’s where the Japanese Spider-Man comes in. Here's why his inclusion would be epic:

Nostalgia Factor

For many fans who grew up in the late 70s and early 80s, Supaidāman was their first introduction to Spider-Man. His show was incredibly popular in Japan, and its unique blend of superhero action and giant robot battles made it a cult classic. Seeing him on screen again would be a massive nostalgia trip.

Sheer Absurdity

Let’s be honest; the Japanese Spider-Man is wonderfully bizarre. A motorcycle racer with spider powers and a giant robot? It’s the kind of over-the-top craziness that could bring a unique flavor to the MCU. Imagine the interactions between him, Doctor Strange, and the other Spider-Men. Comedy gold!

Multiversal Representation

Including Supaidāman would be a nod to the vastness and diversity of the Marvel multiverse. It would show that the MCU isn't just limited to the familiar comic book versions of Spider-Man, but it’s also willing to embrace the weirder, more obscure corners of its history. It would be a celebration of all things Spider-Man, in all their forms.

The Likelihood of an Appearance

Okay, let’s get real for a second. While the idea of Supaidāman swinging into the MCU is incredibly appealing, the chances of it happening are pretty slim. Here's why:

Rights Issues

Although the original show was a co-production between Toei and Marvel, the rights situation is likely complicated. Toei owns the rights to the Japanese Spider-Man character and Leopardon, so Marvel would need to negotiate with them to use them in a movie. These kinds of negotiations can be lengthy and expensive, and there’s no guarantee that they would be successful.

Mainstream Appeal

Let's face it: the Japanese Spider-Man is a niche character. While he has a dedicated fanbase, most casual moviegoers have never heard of him. Marvel Studios typically focuses on characters and storylines with broader appeal to ensure box office success. Introducing such an obscure character could confuse or alienate some viewers.

Tone and Consistency

The MCU has a specific tone and style, and while it’s certainly embraced more comedic and outlandish elements in recent years, it still maintains a certain level of consistency. The Japanese Spider-Man is a very different beast from the Spider-Man we know and love. His inclusion could disrupt the established tone of the MCU and feel out of place.

But Never Say Never!

Despite the challenges, there’s always a chance, however small, that the Japanese Spider-Man could appear in a future Marvel movie. The multiverse is a vast and unpredictable place, and Marvel Studios has shown a willingness to surprise us. Here are a few scenarios where we could see him:

Animated Projects

Animation offers more flexibility and creative freedom than live-action. A cameo in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse sequel or a What If…? episode would be a great way to introduce the Japanese Spider-Man to a wider audience without disrupting the main MCU timeline.

Special Presentation

Marvel Studios could create a one-shot or a special presentation on Disney+ focusing on the Japanese Spider-Man. This would allow them to explore the character in more depth and cater to his existing fanbase without risking alienating mainstream viewers.

Post-Credit Scene

A brief cameo in a post-credit scene could be a fun Easter egg for fans. Imagine the surprise and delight when Supaidāman suddenly appears, Leopardon in tow! It would generate buzz and excitement without requiring a major commitment to the character.

Conclusion: Holding Onto Hope

So, will the Japanese Spider-Man appear in No Way Home or a future Spider-Man movie? The odds are stacked against him, but in the world of the multiverse, anything is possible. Whether it's through an animated cameo, a special presentation, or a surprise post-credit scene, there’s still hope that we’ll see Supaidāman join the MCU. Until then, we can keep dreaming and celebrating the weird and wonderful world of Spider-Man in all its forms. Keep your fingers crossed, guys!