The sequel to 2018’s Spider-Man (following 2020’s spin-off Miles Morales) will release on 20th October, and we’re counting down the days. The first two were outstanding feats of gameplay and storytelling, with beautiful graphics, epic set pieces, and believable characters. Speaking of the characters, though, there was a change in the 2020 remaster which broke our immersion somewhat. We know it’s been years now, but this change is continuing in the sequel, so it’s worth bringing back up. We’re talking about Peter Parker’s face. While the voice actor remains the same (thankfully), he now has a completely different look. It’s an odd decision, so why did it happen?
The Masked Marvel:
Peter Parker’s Face Swap
When the first Spider-Man game graced our screens, fans were captivated not only by the exhilarating gameplay but also the realistic portrayal of Peter Parker, brought to life by the talented Yuri Lowenthal. His portrayal captured the essence of Peter, making it hard to imagine anyone else stepping into his web-slinging shoes. However, when the 2020 remaster of the game was released, fans were taken aback by a significant change in Peter Parker’s face. The change was jarring, to say the least, and left many scratching their heads. But it didn’t stop there; the same face, or rather, the new face, is making a return in the upcoming sequel.
The Web of Change:
Why the New Face?
The decision to recast Peter Parker’s face without changing the voice actor was indeed a curious one. Some speculated that it might be to align the character more closely with Tom Holland’s portrayal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Others felt it was an attempt to create a more distinctive look for the character, allowing the game’s version of Peter Parker to stand on its own. However, the actual reasons behind this change were not officially disclosed by Insomniac Games, the developers of the Spider-Man series.
It’s worth noting that change is often met with resistance, and many fans expressed their disappointment with the new face. The original face, based on actor John Bubniak, had become iconic in its own right. The decision to swap it out for a new one was bound to ruffle some feathers, even if the change was made for artistic or continuity reasons.
In conclusion, while the reasons behind the face change in the Spider-Man sequel remain a bit of a mystery, one thing is clear: it’s a decision that continues to spark discussion and debate among fans. As the release date for the sequel draws near, we can’t help but wonder how the new face will fit into the established Spider-verse. One thing is for sure, the web-slinger is still as exciting and beloved as ever, and we can’t wait to see what new adventures await in the next chapter of Spider-Man’s epic journey.
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