Tom Holland’s ‘Spider-Man 4’ Takes a Dark Turn – New Movie Inspired by The Batman, Drops Multiverse for Gritty Storytelling

By Searchpanda - February 26, 2025

In a surprising twist away from the sprawling multiverse narratives, Tom Holland’s upcoming “Spider-Man 4” is set to take a more grounded route, reminiscent of the storytelling style that resonated deeply with audiences in recent superhero films. With the superhero genre reaching saturation, reports suggest that the fourth Spider-Man film under Holland’s belt will draw major inspiration from Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” a film celebrated for its gritty realism and focus on character-driven narratives.

Tom Holland’s ‘Spider-Man 4’ Takes a Dark Turn: New Movie Inspired by The Batman, Drops Multiverse for Gritty Storytelling
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man 4 is taking a dark turn—ditching the multiverse for a gritty, street-level story

“Spider-Man 4” is looking to break away from the fantastical elements seen in recent Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) entries. By shedding the multiversal angle, which was a significant component of Holland’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” the upcoming film focuses on a more street-level view of Peter Parker’s world. This shift could mark a crucial pivot in superhero cinema, where the emphasis returns to personal storytelling and intense, realistic action.

Tom Holland’s Spider-Man: A New Legacy

Tom Holland has consistently brought a fresh, youthful energy to his portrayal of Peter Parker, setting him apart from his predecessors, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. Despite the success of “No Way Home,” largely fueled by nostalgia and the return of previous Spider-Men, Holland is set to carve out a unique path for his character, free from the shadows of Maguire and Garfield. The new direction for “Spider-Man 4” reportedly emphasizes a deeper exploration of Peter Parker’s psyche, particularly focusing on his anger and determination following personal tragedies, as highlighted by the devastating loss of Aunt May.

Tom Holland’s ‘Spider-Man 4’ Takes a Dark Turn: New Movie Inspired by The Batman, Drops Multiverse for Gritty Storytelling
Marvel is reinventing Spider-Man! Tom Holland’s next film draws inspiration from The Batman

This narrative direction suggests a Spider-Man who is not only battling villains but also his inner demons, adding layers of complexity to the beloved character. The film aims to feature more hand-to-hand combat, promising a visceral and gritty experience that could redefine what fans expect from a Spider-Man movie.

Behind the Scenes and Beyond

With the directorial baton passed from Jon Watts to Destin Daniel Cretton, known for his work on “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “Spider-Man 4” is in capable hands. Cretton’s experience in blending action with deep emotional narratives is likely to be a significant asset in steering the film towards uncharted territories of character depth and storytelling.

Moreover, Tom Holland’s active involvement in the creative process speaks volumes about the dedication behind the scenes. His remarks in a recent interview with Deadline reveal his commitment to maintaining the integrity of Spider-Man’s legacy while ensuring the film remains innovative and engaging. Holland’s enthusiasm for being part of the creative process from the early stages indicates a highly personalized approach to this next chapter in Spider-Man’s cinematic journey.

Tom Holland’s ‘Spider-Man 4’ Takes a Dark Turn: New Movie Inspired by The Batman, Drops Multiverse for Gritty Storytelling
No more multiverse? Spider-Man 4 to focus on Peter Parker’s anger and intense hand-to-hand combat

As “Spider-Man 4″ moves away from the multiversal narratives and embraces a more grounded and gritty format, it sets the stage for a new era of superhero storytelling. This approach not only aims to refresh the character but also to connect with audiences on a more emotional and human level. With Tom Holland at the forefront, the film is poised to not just continue the legacy of Spider-Man but to redefine it, promising a captivating and relatable superhero experience.