It’s not often that Marvel Studios or Sony Pictures re-release one of their big budget films on the big screen, let alone as a different cut. Prior to this film, Marvel Studios re-released Avengers : Endgame, only to include an unfinished scene of the Hulk. It was practically the same movie. Spider-Man : No Way Home, by comparison, adds a bit more to the experience that it does make a difference in key areas.
SPOILERS BELOW
Courtesy of Sony Pictures/Marvel Studios
Understanding the Magic
Of the most noticeable changes to this extended cut, is the new post credit scene taking the place of the Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness teaser. This new scene follows a recap of the previous movies presented as a student movie made by Peter’s class. Due to the impact of Dr. Strange’s second spell, this new scene confirms all documentation of Peter’s existence has been erased or altered. This clarifies one of the biggest questions of the original release.
With the original cut, many were unsure of how exactly Strange’s new spell worked. A brief shot of a G.E.D test hints at the extent of the spell in the original cut. This new scene, however, confirms all documentation of Peter’s existence is altered in some form. In most cases, Peter is entirely removed from video or photos. In one photo, a bird flies in view of where Peter’s face is, essentially scrubbing him from the photo.
Perception of Peter
Courtesy of Sony Pictures/Marvel Studios
Among the other notable changes is the additional sequences of Peter’s time at school following his acquittal. The original film only briefly touches on how chaotic and stressed Peter feels about the situation. This new scene, however, better connects us to Peter’s struggle with being a controversial figure, as he gives into the pressure of using his powers during class. The additional scene with Betty Brant interviewing Peter’s teachers and Flash also adds to this, while providing a bit of comedy as well.
This cut also features the implementation of a cut scene that involved Tom’s brother Harry as a thief. While this does break the pace a bit, it does offer a better look at how people view him as Spider-Man now. Multiple civilians have differing viewpoints of him, with some supporting him, others pointing out his youth, and others critical of him. One man speculates that he was even working with the thief to make himself look good in the public eye. It also better displays the moment when Peter’s suit was stained with paint by a Mysterio supporter, which was only briefly seen as a video in the original film.
A Little More Fun Stuff
Courtesy of Sony Pictures/Marvel Studios
Perhaps the most exciting prospect of this extended cut was the promise of more time with all three Spidey’s. This extended cut does give the audience just that, albeit by expanding a scene. This new cut expands upon the conversation the three have prior to the final battle. While it may not seem like much, the conversation they have flows much better. When re-watching the original cut, it’s hard not to notice the strange cuts in the conversation now. It also gives the organic webbing conversation a much different context now. Yes, it is exactly what many suspect it would reference.
Among other scenes added was a scene with Matt Murdock defending Happy from the law.
FINAL THOUGHTS – A LITTLE MORE FUN, BUT NOT MULTIVERSE SHATTERING
Overall, Spider-Man : No Way Home’s re-release doesn’t add enough that would drastically change the film. Rather, the scenes included refined aspects of the existing story. Often they add more context to existing plot elements, while other scenes let us get more in the character’s head space. It’s overall a slightly better film than the original cut, a film which already stands as one of Spider-Man’s strongest.
Graduated from Point Park University in 2021 with a Degree of English Creative Writing.
Author of the Chronicles of a Broken World Series
Avid Nerd and Enjoyer of All Things Fun and Thoughtful
