Spider-Man 3 Theory: We Already Know The Villains...

1. Could Spider-Man Retire?

We already knew that there might be a shelf-life on the Sony/Marvel deal that brought Peter Parker to the MCU. Initially it was set as a trilogy - or at least that was the accepted thinking - with either an ending or a re-negotiation after Spider-Man 3, which Tom Holland revealed was coming prematurely. Because of course he did.

So what if this arc has been designed to be a shorter run in the MCU? What if Peter realises that the only way to keep his family safe is to not be Spider-Man and to disappear? No matter how many villains he defeats, as long as his potential enemies know who he is and how to get to him, they will aim at his most vulnerable points. That means Aunt May, MJ and Ned Leeds will never be safe as long as he is there.

It might not be a case of New York saving Peter and telling him that he doesn't need a secret identity because he's always safe with them, he might not see any other possibility than retiring and going away. That would then allow him to leave the MCU and for Sony to take the character back after a satisfying arc, as well as leaving the door open for more MCU stories further down the road.

And if the deal cannot be done, everyone is protected.

There's even a possibility that he could be replaced. Say, by a younger alternate Spider-Man we've seen quite recently in an incredible animated Spidey movie? Now there's a thought.

What do you think of this theory? Share your reactions below in the comments thread.