Some new concept art has surfaced online revealing a very different version of Spider-Man: No Way Home. The art was revealed by Andrew Reeder, who has worked on many blockbuster films in the past, including the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Released on the artist’s personal website, some new art reveals that none other than Mysterio almost joined in on the film’s final battle. Have a look.
#SpiderMan: #NoWayHome had Mysterio involved in the final fight in early versions of concept art.
(via @reederdzn48) pic.twitter.com/I3gmVexXEs
— Phase Zero – MCU (@PhaseZeroCB) January 25, 2022
As we can see, Mysterio is duking it out with Doctor Strange at the Statue of Liberty. This is where No Way Home’s final act took place, with the villains of the multiverse fighting all three versions of Spider-Man. Mysterio, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, was the big bad of the previous movie, Spider-Man: Far From Home. He revealed that Tom Holland’s Peter Parker was the man behind the mask, setting the events of the most recent sequel into motion. Yet, Mysterio seemingly died in Far From Home, and that’s how he stayed in the movie we got. It would seem, however, a version of the film was pitched that included Mysterio.
Here is the synopsis for Spider-Man: No Way Home
“For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero’s identity is revealed, bringing his Super Hero responsibilities into conflict with his normal life and putting those he cares about most at risk. When he enlists Doctor Strange’s help to restore his secret, the spell tears a hole in their world, releasing the most powerful villains who’ve ever fought a Spider-Man in any universe. Now, Peter will have to overcome his greatest challenge yet, which will not only forever alter his own future but the future of the Multiverse.”
Unfortunately, for the time being, we have little context. Director Jon Watts hasn’t weighed in on whatever early discussions involving Mysterio may have taken place. Reeder also didn’t provide any context to go along with the art. That being said, we know Spider-Man: No Way Home went through several iterations before coming to screen. At one point, Watts pitched Holland a Kraven the Hunter movie. So it seems more than plausible that Mysterio was on the table.
In the end, the version we got worked out quite well. Critics and audiences alike have widely embraced the movie, which now ranks as one of the highest-grossing movies in history. Even outside of the pandemic, what it has accomplished would be wildly impressive. The fact that it’s made around $1.7 billion during the COVID era is genuinely stunning. Still, it’s interesting to wonder what this version might have looked like.
Spider-Man: No Way Home is in theaters now.
What do you think? Would you have liked to see Mysterio in the movie? Or do you think it was better off without him? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
