Spider-Man, in his various incarnations, makes a notable appearance in multiple episodes of Marvel’s What If…? animated anthology series. However, the most prominent and arguably most impactful appearance of a Spider-Man variant is in Episode 5 of Season 1, titled “What If… Zombies?!”. This episode features a Peter Parker struggling to survive a devastating zombie apocalypse within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Beyond this central role, other versions of Spider-Man can be glimpsed in other episodes, either directly or indirectly, contributing to the series’ exploration of alternate realities.
Spider-Man’s Central Role in “What If… Zombies?!”
“What If… Zombies?!” is arguably the most significant Spider-Man story within the What If…? universe, at least in Season 1. This episode plunges viewers into a horrifying scenario where a quantum virus turns Earth’s mightiest heroes, and subsequently the general population, into flesh-eating zombies. Peter Parker, voiced by Hudson Thames, becomes a pivotal character in this narrative.
The Zombie Apocalypse and Spider-Man’s Struggle
Peter, along with other survivors like Bruce Banner (Hulk), Hope van Dyne (Wasp), Sharon Carter, and Okoye, is thrust into a desperate fight for survival. This Peter is still the teenage version, bearing the familiar quips and moral compass, but he’s forced to make incredibly tough decisions in the face of overwhelming odds. The episode showcases his resourcefulness, his unwavering dedication to protecting others (especially when he adopts a mentor-like role towards the surviving members of the group), and his vulnerability against an enemy he can barely comprehend.
A Unique Spider-Man with a Personal Loss
This version of Spider-Man is not without his scars. He experiences the immense loss of Aunt May and Uncle Ben, both becoming victims of the zombie virus. This deeply affects him, adding another layer of emotional complexity to his struggle. His experience dealing with personal tragedy while attempting to save the world from a zombie outbreak adds a new dimension to the iconic character.
Beyond “What If… Zombies?!” – Easter Eggs and Cameos
While “What If… Zombies?!” is the primary Spider-Man showcase, keep an eye out for subtle nods and cameos of the character in other episodes. It’s important to remember the nature of the multiverse; Spider-Man exists in countless variations across different realities.
Unraveling the Multiverse: Spider-Man Across the What If…? Spectrum
Beyond his pivotal role in the zombie episode, subtle hints and nods to other Spider-Man variants exist throughout the series, reinforcing the concept of infinite possibilities and alternate timelines.
Glimpses of Spider-Man in the Multiverse
While not always explicitly named or shown in detail, the presence of Spider-Man is felt in various episodes, either through visual cues or subtle references. This emphasizes the sheer scope and diversity of the multiverse, and confirms Spider-Man’s existence in a multitude of realities depicted in the series.
Easter Eggs and Potential Future Appearances
Devoted fans often speculate about the possibility of seeing more elaborate Spider-Man storylines in future seasons of What If…?. The series format allows for endless possibilities, and exploring different versions of Spider-Man, perhaps versions with vastly different powers, histories, or moral codes, would be a compelling addition to the show’s ever-expanding narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Spider-Man in What If…?
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into Spider-Man’s presence and significance in the What If…? series:
1. Does Spider-Man have different powers in the Zombie episode?
No, the Spider-Man in “What If… Zombies?!” retains his standard abilities: superhuman strength, agility, web-slinging, and Spider-Sense. The challenge he faces stems from the sheer number and relentlessness of the zombie horde, not a change in his powers. He uses his abilities creatively to survive and fight, but he’s ultimately limited by the devastating circumstances.
2. Why isn’t Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, or Tom Holland voicing Spider-Man?
What If…? features a different voice actor (Hudson Thames) to represent this particular version of Spider-Man. The series aims to explore alternate versions of established characters, sometimes with slightly different personalities or circumstances. Using a different voice actor helps establish this distinction. Additionally, securing the original actors for every single What If…? episode would likely be a logistical and budgetary challenge.
3. Does Spider-Man ever become a zombie in “What If… Zombies?!”?
While Spider-Man faces constant threats from the zombie horde, he manages to avoid being bitten and turned into a zombie himself. His survival hinges on his quick thinking, agility, and the help of his fellow survivors. The tension throughout the episode revolves around whether he can continue to evade the relentless onslaught.
4. What role does Spider-Man play in the broader What If…? narrative?
Spider-Man primarily serves as a character of resilience and hope in the face of unimaginable horror. In “What If… Zombies?!,” he embodies the classic Spider-Man traits of selflessness and responsibility, even amidst a global catastrophe. He takes on a leadership role, guiding other survivors and fighting to protect those he can.
5. Are there any hints about other Spider-Man variants appearing in future episodes?
Marvel Studios has not explicitly confirmed future appearances of specific Spider-Man variants. However, given the infinite possibilities of the multiverse, it’s highly plausible that we will see more Spider-Man versions in future seasons of What If…?. Fan speculation and rumors often circulate, fueling anticipation for potential storylines.
6. How does the What If…? version of Spider-Man differ from the live-action versions?
While the What If…? Spider-Man retains core aspects of the character (his powers, moral compass, and signature quips), the circumstances he faces are vastly different. He experiences the loss of his loved ones in a far more gruesome and immediate way than typically depicted in live-action films, forcing him to mature and adapt rapidly in a world overrun by zombies.
7. Does Spider-Man interact with other Spider-Man variants in the series?
Currently, no episode of What If…? features Spider-Man directly interacting with other Spider-Man variants from different universes. However, the premise of the series opens the door to such possibilities in future seasons, drawing inspiration from the popular Spider-Verse comics.
8. Is the What If…? Spider-Man considered canon within the MCU multiverse?
The question of canonicity within the MCU multiverse is complex. While What If…? exists within the established multiverse framework, its events are generally considered to be alternate realities that diverge from the primary MCU timeline. This means that the specific events of “What If… Zombies?!” are unlikely to directly impact the main MCU storyline, although elements or concepts could potentially be adapted in the future.
9. What makes the Zombie Spider-Man episode so popular?
The popularity of “What If… Zombies?!” stems from its shocking premise, the high stakes, and the brutal exploration of beloved characters in a terrifying situation. Seeing familiar heroes turned into zombies, and witnessing Spider-Man’s desperate fight for survival, creates a compelling and memorable narrative. The horror genre elements combined with the familiar superhero tropes make it a unique and engaging viewing experience.
10. What are some fan theories about Spider-Man in What If…??
Some fan theories suggest that the What If…? Spider-Man could potentially appear in future MCU films or shows, perhaps as a character who has crossed over from an alternate reality. Other theories explore the possibility of a What If…? adaptation of the Spider-Verse storyline, featuring multiple Spider-Man variants teaming up to face a common threat.
11. How does Spider-Man’s portrayal in What If…? contribute to the overall understanding of his character?
Spider-Man’s appearance in What If…? reinforces the idea that his core values and heroic spirit remain consistent across different universes and circumstances. Even in the face of a zombie apocalypse, he remains committed to protecting others and upholding his sense of responsibility. The series showcases his adaptability, resilience, and unwavering dedication to doing what’s right, even when the odds are overwhelmingly stacked against him.
12. Where can I watch What If…? and see Spider-Man’s appearances?
All episodes of What If…? are exclusively available to stream on Disney+. A Disney+ subscription is required to access the series.