Sony and Prime Video are currently developing a live-action series based on the infamous ’90s Marvel Comics Spider-Man storyline, the Clone Saga. In that story, which lasted two years and covered dozens and dozens of comics, Peter Parker discovered there were several clones of himself running around, some of them for years. One of them, Ben Reilly/Scarlet Spider, even took over as Spider-Man for a hot minute. There were others too, including Kaine Parker. But if Sony is adapting the Clone Saga, and they can’t use the MCU Peter Parker, or even Andrew Garfield’s or Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parkers, will they start looking for lookalike actors? And could that even work?
Sony Is Making a Series About Spider-Man Clones That Can’t Utilize Spider-Man Himself
The way the Spider-Man live-action rights are divied up is a tad confusing. Sony, not Marvel Studios, has the rights to make live-action series based on the Spider-Man IP. However, because of Peter Parker’s connections to Disney’s MCU, they can’t uctually use Spider-Man as a character himself. Or, more specifically, they can’t use the names “Peter Parker” or “Spider-Man.” That’s why Nicolas Cage’s character in Spider-Noir was just “the Spider,” and his civilian name was Ben Reilly. It’s why Kraven, Madame Web, and Morbius couldn’t even mention Spider-Man. But what could this mean for a story all about characters cloned from the DNA of famous superhero, Spider-Man? To get anyone to care about this, we really think Sony simply has to find a way to utter the words “Spider-Man” and “Peter Parker” in this show, or just don’t bother.
Could They Cast Younger Lookalikes of Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield, or Tobey Maguire for a Clone Saga Series?
First off, we think that even if a deal between Disney and Sony can be reached to use the names “Spider-Man” and “Peter Parker” in the series, this show won’t be set in the MCU. It’s just too complicated to coordinate with the existing MCU Spider-Man movies. All of which are still coming out in theaters and making money hand over fist. So no, not only do we not expect to see Tom Holland, we doubt they’ll cast any young Tom lookalikes.
Currently, the Andrew Garfield Amazing Spider-Man universe is sitting there unused, and could make sense in this context. Could Sony coax Andrew Garfield to return for the right price for a small role? And could Sony start looking for some Andrew Garfield doppelgangers? Again, assuming they work out a deal where the names of Spider-Man and Peter Parker can be mentioned, of course.
Of All the Spider-Mans, Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker Should Be the Clone Template
Finally, there’s the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man from Sam Raimi’s trilogy. He’d be the most interesting and best option, as he’s been Spider-Man for nearly 25 years now. Conceivably, a scientist could have gathered his blood from a battle, and used it to create several clones. All of who would now be of an adult age. This scenario would be the most interesting one by far. And Tobey would frankly be the easiest actor of the three to bring back in a bit part, as he’s not as booked and busy as Holland and Garfield. But none of this works unless Sony and Marvel can work out a deal to at least be able to mention the character in the series.
Nerdist’s Take: A Clone Saga Series Hinges On Establishing a Known Spider-Man in That Universe
A series based on the Spider-Man Clone Saga hinges on being able to establish a Spider-Man within the universe of the show. Otherwise, it’s just a generic sci-fi show about clones using names from Marvel Comics that carry no weight. Of course, they could always introduce a new Spider-Man variant we’ve never met before as that world’s Spidey. If the Spider-Verse movies have taught us anything, it’s that Peter Parkers exist across the Multiverse. But we don’t think that would work as well than having a clone based on a Peter Parker we already know and love. Here’s hoping that Sony, Prime Video, and Marvel get all their ducks in a row to make this work. Otherwise, we predict another Madame Web or Kraven style misfire.