https://blackgirlnerds.com/how-madame-web-is-looking-to-upend-the-entire-spider-man-mythos-with-the-inclusion-of-ezekiel-sims/

The Spider-Man universe has long captivated audiences with its blend of relatable heroism, thrilling adventure, and fantastic humor. Those qualities have translated well into the cinematic universe, starting with Sam Raimi’s trilogy and continuing through Marc Webb’s duology as well as the MCU’s Homecoming trilogy. Traditionally, this particular universe is focused on the experiences of its titular character, AKA Peter Parker, while also exploring themes of responsibility — a great deal of which comes with great power but also youth and morality.

However, up until now, the Spider-Man mythos in the film have yet to explore the most transcendental nature of being a Spider-Man — which was, admittedly, somewhat explored in the animated Spider-Verse movie series. But that’s about to change. With February 14, 2024, fast approaching, the upcoming Madame Web movie promises to revolutionize the beloved Spider-Man mythos by introducing a character largely unexplored in cinematic adaptations.

Enter Ezekiel Sims, whose introduction poses a major shift in the thematic structure of the Spider-Man universe.

The first trailer for Madame Web just dropped, introducing the film’s villain as Ezekiel Sims, who’s apparently clad in a dark version of the classic Spider-Man costume and feeds on the energies of spider-people (individuals across the multiverse who have the same general powers as Spider-Man) in order to maintain his longevity. In the context of the upcoming movie, Ezekiel’s motivations appear to steer in the direction of eliminating of Julia Carpenter (Spider-Woman), Mattie Franklin (also Spider-Woman), and Anya Corazon (Spider-Girl). However, this also leads to a confrontation with Madame Web, who’s trying to save the girls from Ezekiel’s deadly touch.

As is often the case with cinematic adaptations of narratively massive universes, Ezekiel Sims is grossly misrepresented in the upcoming film. We’re not saying that he isn’t villainous in the comics, but we are saying that he isn’t actually feeding off the energy of the spider-people. It would appear that for whatever reason, Sony Pictures decided to merge Ezekiel with Morlun, a villain from the comic that led to Ezekiel’s introduction, as well as to introduce the concept of Spider-Totems and the connection to Anansi the Spider, a god of knowledge from West African folklore.

In the comics, Ezekiel is actually a mentor and ally to Spider-Man, with mystical knowledge about Spider-Man’s powers and his every connection with the Spider-Verse that stems from the fact that he also has spider powers. However, unlike Peter, who believes that his powers come from a radioactive spider bite, Ezekiel gained his powers through a magic ritual, which tied him to a so-called Spider-Totem, basically a mystical force that empowers all spider-heroes across the Multiverse.

This is what brings the transcendental component into the Spider-Man narrative. Ezekiel reveals that Peter didn’t inherit his spider powers from a spider bite. Peter’s spider was irradiated and tried to pass spider powers on to Peter before it died of radiation. Of course, Peter disagrees with this assessment, and the two go on to fight Morlun. Ezekiel eventually dies in the comics, and his death brings about the ultimate revelation: Spider-Totems are real, and Peter and Ezekiel aren’t the only people with spider powers in this universe.

In fact, at the very same time Peter was bitten by the irradiated spider when he was a teenager, his classmate Cindy Moon also gained spider powers. Unfortunately, she was also captured and locked away by Ezekiel, who was trying to prevent Cindy and Peter from meeting and coming into Morlun’s crosshairs. However, with Ezekiel dead, Peter finds and frees Cindy, who eventually becomes a spider hero known as Silk. The two have a short but intense romantic relationship spurred by their mutual connection to the metaphysical Spider-Totems.

The introduction of Spider-Totems paired with the foray into mysticism throws some fresh perspective on the Spider-Man mythos, which ultimately allows for a more complex narrative to emerge since the focus shifts from Peter’s individual struggles to a broader and more universal battle. It also challenges all the previously established understanding and the fandom’s knowledge of Spider-Man’s powers as a mere accident and provides the superhero with a more mystical quality.

This really isn’t a novelty when it comes to Marvel Comics; both Doctor Strange and Thor adaptations have previously introduced mystical and cosmic elements to the MCU, and now Madame Web is doing the same. Taking into account that the upcoming movie is a Spider-Man spin-off and the fact that the Spider-Verse is very popular in both animation and gaming, it’s entirely possible that Sony is trying to establish a franchise of its own, one that’s adjacent to the MCU.

We just hope that Sony won’t trade quality for quantity like Disney did. Considering that they already merged Ezekiel and Morlun, our hopes might be for naught. The introduction of Ezekiel Sims and the Spider-Totems certainly provides an opportunity, though, as well as the opportunity for the purported franchise to dive into worldwide cultural and mythological lore. This would not only broaden the scope of the narrative but also enriches the cultural diversity and inclusivity of the Spider-Man universe. Also, we wouldn’t complain about a live-action Miles Morales.