Despite creating several unique cinematic versions of Spider-Man, the wall-crawler still has dozens of unique villains worth exploring. One of the constant struggles of making superhero movies is balancing iconic characters with new faces. Every new entry contends with the pressure to use Venom, the Green Goblin, or Doctor Octopus. Spidey’s rogues gallery will always be iconic, but he has tons of lesser-known antagonists. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe considers bringing Peter Parker back, Alistair Smythe could be a perfect new threat.
Spider-Man: No Way Home brought several antagonists from previous films together to pester every live-action Spider-Man. It was a celebration of the character’s history on the big screen. It was also a cynical fireworks display designed to capitalize on nostalgia without innovating. Projects like No Way Home are fun every once in a while, but Spider-Man can’t be a character that lives in the past. New entries need to cover new ground, and introducing new antagonists is a great way to do that.
Who is Alistair Smythe?
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Full Name |
Alistair Alphonso Smythe |
|---|---|
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Aliases |
The Ultimate Spider-Slayer |
|
First Appearance |
The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #19 |
|
First Appearance Date |
November 1985 |
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Creators |
Louise Simonson and Mary Wilshire |
Alistair Smythe is a lesser-known Spider-Man antagonist who attacks the webhead with an army of robots and some biological enhancements. Alistair was born to famed roboticist Spencer Smythe, who developed an army of murder machines called the Spider-Slayers. Professor Smythe created the Spider-Slayers for J. Jonah Jameson, who dumped a seemingly endless fortune into defeating and unmasking Spider-Man. Jameson piloted the robots, but Spider-Man won every encounter. As Spencer tried to consistently improve his creation, the radioactive materials took a toll on his health, eventually leading to his untimely death. Alistair blamed Spider-Man for his father’s obsession and demise, pushing him to pick up his dad’s quest to kill Spidey.
Alistair’s early career was similar to his father’s. He briefly worked with the Kingpin, but their creative disagreements led to the criminals splitting up. Alistair suffered severe wounds in his first encounters, leaving him unable to walk. His new Spider-Slayer models saw no greater success, despite constant innovation. Bereft of options, Alistair turned himself into the Ultimate Spider-Slayer. While confined to an asylum, Smythe gathered a small army of inmates and forced them to work for him. He developed a bioorganic carapace, which bonded to his spinal cord. It allowed him to walk again, enhanced his strength, resisted damage, and fitted his limbs and shoulders with powerful bladed weaponry. It also allowed him to spin and shoot webs from his wrists. Though Spider-Man defeated him again, Alistair became a foe to be reckoned with.
What happened to Alistair Smythe?
Smythe’s best attempt at vengeance included J. Jonah Jameson. Alistair assaults Jameson’s Daily Bugle headquarters to force him to alter stories, threatening his family if he refuses. Spider-Man tracks Jameson to the Bugle, but Alistair sets a trap. He offers an elaborate choice involving two new Spider-Slayers. One machine scans Spider-Man’s brain, gathering information about his loved ones and sending it to several other lethal robots. Smythe explains that he can either pursue those assassins or stop a larger Spider-Slayer from killing Jameson. Spider-Man being Spider-Man, he accomplishes both. Jameson knocks Smythe out with a baseball bat, but Smythe returns and attacks Jameson’s family. Smythe kills Jameson’s wife, leaving the newspaper magnate-turned-mayor calling for the death penalty. Smythe enhances several other villains and raises an army of Spider-Slayers, but he has the misfortune of facing Otto Octavius in Peter Parker’s body. Free from Peter’s mercy, the new Spider-Man stabs Smythe to death, ending his revenge quest.
Why would Alistair Smythe work for Spider-Man 4?
Smythe is a fascinating antagonist who forces several narrative elements to come together. Peter Parker will be facing a new world after Doctor Strange’s spell wiped him from humanity’s memory. Spider-Man needs a new foe with a unique grudge. Smythe comes with a natural escalation. His robots can become the default threat through the film’s early scenes. The story of Spencer Smythe, the mad scientist who killed himself pursuing someone else’s grudge, is a fascinating starting point. The threat of evil robots can gradually force Peter to unleash nastier tactics. It can force him to seek help where he usually wouldn’t, force complications into his life, and threaten innocent bystanders. They’d target him specifically, forcing him to wonder whether he should be donning the suit when it clearly draws violence. Alistair can play the final boss, an enhanced monster seeking vengeance for his father’s madness. Alistair’s perceived duty to avenge his dad clashes naturally with the lessons Peter learned from his aunt and uncle. There’s an obvious message about forgiving grudges, understanding responsibility, and coming to terms with adversity. It could be an excellent return to straightforward, personal stakes in Spider-Man movies.
Alistair Smythe is a fascinating foe from the comics. He can feel a bit silly, especially as his robots rise and fall like video game minions. His place in the narrative, connections to other characters, and engaging motivation could make him a perfect choice for the next Spider-Man movie.
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