The Sony Spider-Man Universe (SSU) has officially come to an end, allowing us to reflect on some of its most disappointing moments. Since its inception in 2017 with the release of *Venom*, the SSU attempted to expand the Spider-Man lore through live-action films that essentially sidelined Spider-Man himself. Over the course of seven years, six movies were brought to audiences, resulting in a wildly unpredictable box office performance and a patchy critical reception. This begs the question: what went wrong?
While opinions vary, it’s clear that the SSU didn’t reach the same levels of acclaim as other Marvel franchises. The films were often criticized for their weak writing and poor execution. As a result, the SSU gained a reputation for featuring moments that were either unintentionally comedic or cringe-worthy. Here, we explore the ten worst moments from Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, now that the franchise has reached its conclusion.
10
The Last Dance’s Knull Set-Up
Venom: The Last Dance (2024)
While the mid-credits scene in *Venom: The Last Dance* may seem promising at first, it ultimately contributes to the franchise’s legacy of let-downs. This scene flickers between anticipation and disappointment as Knull, a formidable villain from Marvel Comics, vows revenge after his plans fail. The hint at a future involving the “King in Black”storyline could have breathed new life into the franchise. However, with the end of the SSU, it is now evident that Knull’s journey is heading in a different direction, likely in the MCU, leaving this bold tease tragically unfulfilled.
9
Post-Credits Sinister Six Tease
Morbius (2022)
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Another sensational yet ultimately fruitless moment occurred in *Morbius*, where the post-credits scene features Michael Keaton’s Vulture crossing over from the MCU. This teaser hints at a potential Sinister Six storyline but fails spectacularly due to its lack of context. The confusion surrounding how Vulture traverses dimensions only compounds its frustrations. Rather than intrigue, audiences were left with a convoluted narrative dead-end.
8
Venom 2’s MCU Crossover Tease
Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)
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*Venom: Let There Be Carnage* included a tantalizing multiverse cameo that ultimately led to disappointment. The film’s end credits suggested an exciting encounter between Venom and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, but this never materialized. Instead, fans witnessed a letdown as Eddie Brock and Venom were transported back to their universe without ever engaging with the spider-themed hero, marring what could have been a significant crossover moment.
7
The Incomprehensible CGI Battle
Morbius (2022)
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The climax of *Morbius* was marked by an overly complicated CGI battle that turned out to be a disheartening spectacle. The showdown between Morbius and his childhood friend Milo devolved into a whirlwind of effects that obscured the action completely. Instead of an engaging climax, viewers were treated to chaotic visuals that rendered the showdown nearly impossible to follow.
6
Peter Parker’s Birth
Madame Web (2024)
5
The Lack of Spider-Women
Madame Web (2024)
In anticipation of *Madame Web*, fans were excited about the introduction of Julia Cornwall, Anya Corazón, and Mattie Franklin as Spider-Women. However, disappointment struck as the film failed to depict their origins and left them largely powerless throughout. Their potential was squandered, appearing only as fleeting visions rather than engaging characters. This thwarted promise stands as a major letdown within an already disappointing narrative.
4
Cassie Gets Injured
Madame Web (2024)
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The character of Cassie is introduced in *Madame Web* and marked as pivotal to the plot. However, the manner in which her arc unfolds is perplexingly underwhelming. The climactic battle leaves Cassie impaired in an absurd manner—with her fate resting on an accidental firework blast. This moment, fueled by a previously established degenerative illness, feels excessively contrived and detracts from the emotional gravity that could have been achieved.
3
Kraven’s Weird Spider-Man Tease
Kraven The Hunter (2024)
As *Kraven the Hunter* marks the closure of the SSU, its failure has resonated deeply with fans. Instead of constructing a meaningful connection to Spider-Man, Kraven’s arachnophobia merely hints at the web-slinger’s existence in one of the film’s weaker moments. This vague reference fails to deliver the anticipated fulfillment of Spider-Man’s presence within a franchise that shares his name.
2
Milo’s Dance Scene
Morbius (2022)
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*Morbius* is riddled with moments that have drawn ridicule, but none can compare to Milo’s inexplicable shirtless dance sequence. After his transformation, he indulges in an oddly upbeat solo dance, jarring for a film imbued with darkness. This bizarre juxtaposition left audiences perplexed, marking it as one of the most laughable and poorly conceived moments within the entire SSU.
1
Madame Web’s Final Line
Madame Web (2024)
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The conclusion of *Madame Web* solidifies its status as the franchise’s most disappointing moment. Cassie’s character reflection culminates in an unimaginative final line—”the best thing about the future is that it hasn’t happened yet.” This uninspired remark is far beneath what a clairvoyant character should conceivably offer, ultimately serving as a lackluster closure to a film already teetering on absurdity. This final line may very well encapsulate the unfulfilled potential of the SSU.