The upcoming Marvel Cinematic UniverseSpider-Man 3film (which will likely go by a different name when it actually hits theaters on July 07, 2025) is heavily rumored to be a “Spider-Verse” movie that will tie all theSpider-Manlive-action movie franchises together. Now there is even more evidence that’s going to happen, as Alfred Molina is confirmed to be reprising his role as Otto Octavius, aka Doctor Octopus.
Molina portrayed Doctor Octopus in the acclaimedSpider-Man 2film fromSam Raimi. Octopus was killed at the end of that film, so it’s entirely possible that Molina is playing a completely new version of the character as opposed to the same one from the Raimi films. Regardless, Molina’s casting is huge news, especially considering how much critics and fans alike praised his performance inSpider-Man 2.
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Molina isn’t the only previousSpider-Manvillain that’s set to return in the upcomingSpider-Man 3movie. It’s also been confirmed thatJamie Foxx is playing Electro, a role he previously portrayed inThe Amazing Spider-Man 2. Jamie Foxx has said that this version of Electro won’t be blue, suggesting that it could be a somewhat different take on the character. However, more concrete details aren’t available at the time of this writing.
Another major character confirmed for the upcomingSpider-Man: Far From Homesequel is Doctor Strange, once again played byBenedict Cumberbatch. What’s interesting is that the upcomingDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessis actually directed by Sam Raimi, who helmedSpider-Man 2. PerhapsSpider-Man 3will set up the events ofDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and the appearance of characters like Molina’s Doctor Octopus and Foxx’s Electro is the first hint the MCU will make to its “multiverse.”
In the meantime, it will be interesting to see if other theories aboutSpider-Man 3come to fruition. One of the biggest rumors is that bothAndrew Garfieldand Tobey Maguire will be reprising their roles as Spider-Man in the movie as well, though that has yet to be confirmed.
Before MCU fans worry too much aboutSpider-Man 3, there will be some other things to watch first. TheWandaVisionTV serieswill premiere on Disney+ on January 15, and will serve as the first MCU offering sinceSpider-Man: Far From Homein 2019. A number of other MCU Disney+ shows will premiere in 2021 as well, plus there’s theBlack Widowmovie,The Eternals, and much more on the slate.
