Doctor Octopus has long been one of Spider-Man’s most iconic foes, and that’s not just in the comics. Alfred Molina’s incarnation of the character in Spider-Man 2 was a bit different from what fans may have expected, but he became one of the most memorable parts of an already acclaimed movie.
It’s since been confirmed that Molina will reprise his role as that version of Doc Ock in the adventures showcased in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Spider-Man: No Way Home. The film will apparently be picking up the villain’s story directly after Spider-Man 2, leaving his allegiance somewhat suspect. Here’s where the Raimi sequel ended for the character and how it could factor into the new movie.
Click the button below to start this article in quick view.
Raimi’s version of Doc Ock has a few differences from the comic books, turning him into a much more sympathetic character. For one, the Doctor Octopus name is shortened to the usual “Doc Ock” nickname, which is what the character is referred to in most merchandise. While the original comic book version is a stereotypical greedy, evil scientist with an antisocial personality, this version of Otto Octavius is kind and gentle, and he has a loving wife, Rosie.
His arms are a harness used to test a fusion reactor for Oscorp. Unfortunately, the reactor malfunctions, causing a massive explosion, which kills Otto’s wife. It also fuses the harness to Otto’s spine while destroying the robotic arms’ inhibitor chip, giving them a true mind of their own. They play with Otto’s fractured and traumatized psyche, convincing him to steal more resources and try the experiment again. The depths which Otto descends to in order to achieve this quickly draw the attention of Spider-Man, who’s been losing his powers throughout the film.
Doc Ock later kidnaps Mary Jane, hoping to attract Spider-Man by doing so. After a battle atop a careening train, Spider-Man saves it and the passengers when Octavius sends it out of control. He then captures a beaten, bruised Spider-Man, trading him to the vengeful Harry Osborn in order to gain the resources needed to try the experiment again.
The experiment’s larger and potentially more faulty nature endangers half the city, but Octavius pushes forward. Spider-Man arrives and reveals himself to be Otto’s former associate, Peter Parker, hoping to persuade his former friend and colleague to not use his intelligence for such a nefarious purpose. Drawn back to the side of light and reason, Doc Ock uses the arms to sink the experimental reactor into the sea, sacrificing himself in doing so.
This much more sympathetic version of the usually not-so-good doctor drew praise from critics and fans alike, and it would go on to inform the similar characterization for Doctor Octopus in the 2018 Spider-Man PlayStation 4 game. Thankfully, the MCU will somehow pick up Doc Ock’s story in the new Spider-Man film, even using CGI to de-age Alfred Molina.
It’s possible the experiment succeeded in some capacity, opening an interdimensional rift which allowed Doc Ock to come to the MCU and later survive his apparent drowning. Also likely is that the change of heart seen at the end of Spider-Man 2 will be reflected in his characterization going forward, making him a full-on hero. This could result in the cinematic Doctor Octopus completely breaking out of his origins as a cartoony scientist, putting him on the path to becoming a truly “superior” Spider-Man ally.
Directed by Jon Watts, Spider-Man: No Way Home stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Marisa Tomei, Tony Revolori, Jamie Foxx, Alfred Molina and Benedict Cumberbatch. The film arrives in theaters Dec. 17.