Could We See Hobgoblin Instead of Green Goblin In 'No Way Home?'
Since the release of the newest trailer for Spider-Man: No Way Home, the Marvel fan community has been abuzz with thoughts, theories, and hype for the next chapter in Peter Parker's story. While the Raimi trilogy has a strong amount of support among comic book and super hero fans there are those who would argue that Spidey has never looked better than his current iteration in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whether you're a fan of Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire, or Andrew Garfield, there is a chance you'll get to see your favorite web-slinger in action, as rumors abound that, as the MCU's multiverse unfolds, Kevin Feige and his creative team will bring multiple renditions of Peter Parker into the upcoming film.
While this may just be fan-fueled speculation, what is confirmed is the reappearance of a fan favorite Maguire villain: Alfred Molina's Otto Octavius, better known as Doc Ock. His appearance in the No Way Home trailer was possibly the most talked about take-away from the teaser. Its only real competition is a pumpkin bomb, slowly rolling onscreen, accompanied by sinister echoing laugh. While most fans have attributed this piece of weaponry to Willem Dafoe's Norman Osborn and his ghoulish alter-ego, the Green Goblin, there are those who have speculated that a different goblin could end up soaring the skies of the MCU's New York City.
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The Green Goblin has been a menace to our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man for years, including killing Peter's first love, Gwen Stacey, in a stellar comic book arc. Known for his trademark Goblin Glider and Pumpkin Bombs, the devious and creepy Goblin is a well-known and despised nemesis to Spidey. Making his first live-action debut in the first film of the Raimi trilogy, the Green Goblin was chillingly portrayed by Willem Dafoe, an actor who, like Alfred Molina, many would love to see reprise his role in the MCU. The Pumpkin Bomb seen onscreen in the No Way Home trailer, combined with the appearance of Doc Ock, have many fans excited to see Willem Dafoe's reappearance as the iconic villain in the upcoming film. You may want to hold on to your web-shooters, Spidey fans, because there is another Marvel villain who has a history of throwing Jack-o'-lantern-like explosives around NYC, one who might be lurking in plain sight: the Halloween-inspired specter known as the Hobgoblin.
Ned Leeds is Peter Parker's closest friend at Midtown School of Science and Technology. He is an accomplished programmer and hacker who has assisted Spider-Man as the "guy in the chair." Ned is a very enthusiastic and positive personality, despite his occasional social awkwardness. His goofy character and humorous, comic relief dialogue have made him a fan favorite in short order. There is evidence to suggest, however, that the MCU could be setting us up for a heartbreaking bait and switch. Those familiar with Spider-Man comics will know that Edward Leeds, the comic character who is the namesake of Jacob Batalon's character, has a complicated relationship with Peter Parker. They first met when they're both working at the Daily Bugle, with Ed eventually dating an ex-flame of Peter's.
Ed would go on to tail the original Hobgoblin, Roderick Kingsley, back to his lair, where Ed's captured and brainwashed into beginning a crime spree which would include allying himself with Baron Mordo, helping Kingpin's son execute a coup against his father, and killing Aunt May. Since these actions were not undertaken in Ed's right state, they could be attributed to Kingsley. This former businessman was as crooked as they come, black-mailing and murdering his way to financial power. With these ill-gotten gains, he was able to procure Goblin equipment from a petty thief who had found one of Green Goblin's hideouts in the sewers of NYC. This included a vial of the Goblin-formula which Kingsley altered to mitigate the insanity inducing side effects, while still gaining super-soldier strength.
While the arrival of the Hobgoblin may not be what fans are hoping for with the slate of villains in No Way Home, it could offer an interesting take on the character, as Ned Leeds is very different from the Edward Leeds of the comics. Would the MCU follow the comic mold and have Ned be brainwashed by another enemy of Spidey? Could the events of the film lead Ned down a dark path, wherein he betrays his former friend? Possibly the most likely event to introduce Ned as Hobgoblin would be an alternate universe version of the "guy in the chair," wherein the events of Ned's life led him down a villainous path. Regardless of how Hobgoblin is introduced into the MCU, if he does make an appearance, in place of or alongside the Green Goblin, defeating Ned Leeds would prove a tall task for Spider-Man, not just physically, but emotionally as well.
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Source(s): Screen Rant, Marvel Wiki