Prepare for the debut of Sony’s Madame Web by revisiting these essential Marvel movies that may offer insights into the Spider-Verse and the upcoming Cassandra Webb’s clairvoyant abilities.

About Madame Web:

Madame Web is an upcoming superhero film starring Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a clairvoyant who can see future events within the “spider world”. The film is scheduled to be released in the United States on February 14, 2024. It is the fourth film in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU), which also includes Venom, Morbius, and Kraven the Hunter.

The film is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, who first appeared in 1980’s The Amazing Spider-Man #210. In the comics, Madame Web is a blind and paralyzed elderly woman connected to a life support system that resembles a spider’s web. She has the ability to perceive various futures and alternate realities, and often helps Spider-Man with her guidance and advice. She is also the grandmother of one of the Spider-Women, Charlotte Witter, and the mentor of another, Julia Carpenter.

In the film, Madame Web is depicted as an inexperienced clairvoyant in her 30s, who develops her powers after an accident. She is forced to confront her past while trying to save three young women with powerful futures who are being hunted by a deadly adversary. The film is a suspense thriller that explores the origin story of Madame Web in a standalone universe with a more grounded and gritty approach.

The film is directed by S. J. Clarkson, who co-wrote the screenplay with Claire Parker and the writing team of Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless. The film also stars Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, and Tahar Rahim as the three Spider-Women and the villain, respectively.

As the film promises connections to the broader Spider-Man Universe, including characters like Venom, Morbius, and Spider-Man himself, it’s worth delving into some key Marvel movies before experiencing the web of destiny unfold. Here are 10 movies to watch before Madame Web.

Spider-Man (2002)

After being bitten by a genetically-modified spider, a shy teenager gains spider-like abilities that he uses to fight injustice as a masked superhero. This film marks the first cinematic appearance of Spider-Man, played by Tobey Maguire, and introduces his origin story, his love interest Mary Jane Watson, and his nemesis Green Goblin. The film also features a cameo by Madame Web’s comic book creator, Stan Lee.

Spider-Man 2 (2004)

The continuation of Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man saga in 2004 may hold references that enrich the Madame Web narrative. The film follows Spider-Man as he struggles to balance his personal and superhero life, while facing a new threat from Doctor Octopus, a scientist who becomes fused with four mechanical arms. The film also explores the mystery of Peter Parker’s parents, who were scientists working on a secret project involving spiders.

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Raimi’s Spider-Man 3, culminating the original trilogy, might be referenced for its impact on Peter Parker’s future and the broader Spider-Verse. The film depicts Spider-Man’s encounter with a symbiote, an alien substance that enhances his powers but also corrupts his personality. The film also introduces two new villains, Sandman and Venom, as well as Gwen Stacy, another love interest for Spider-Man.

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Rumors suggest Madame Web could reveal Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man, making this film a potential precursor to the upcoming storyline. The film is a reboot of the Spider-Man franchise, featuring a new cast and a different origin story. The film focuses on Peter Parker’s investigation of his parents’ disappearance, which leads him to a secret lab where he is bitten by a radioactive spider. The film also introduces a new love interest, Gwen Stacy, and a new villain, the Lizard.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

The sequel to Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man could be referenced, given Madame Web’s ability to perceive various futures and alternate realities. The film follows Spider-Man as he faces a new enemy, Electro, a former Oscorp employee who gains electrical powers after an accident. The film also features the return of Harry Osborn, Peter’s childhood friend who becomes the new Green Goblin, and the death of Gwen Stacy, a tragic event that haunts Spider-Man.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

The animated exploration of the Spider-Verse introduces alternate Spider-Heroes, providing context for Madame Web’s universe-spanning clairvoyance. The film centers on Miles Morales, a teenager who becomes the new Spider-Man after the death of Peter Parker. He meets other Spider-People from different dimensions, such as Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Ham, and Peni Parker, who team up to stop a villain who threatens to destroy the multiverse.

Venom (2018)

The first film in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, Venom introduces the anti-hero of the same name, played by Tom Hardy. The film follows Eddie Brock, a journalist who becomes bonded with a symbiote, an alien entity that gives him superhuman abilities and a violent alter ego. The film also sets up the potential for a crossover with Spider-Man, as the symbiote has a connection to Peter Parker in the comics.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

The sequel continues Venom’s story, hinting at multiversal connections that could intersect with Madame Web’s abilities via the Web of Life and Destiny. The film follows Venom as he faces a new enemy, Carnage, another symbiote who bonds with a serial killer, played by Woody Harrelson. The film also features the debut of Shriek, a mutant with sonic powers and Carnage’s lover, played by Naomie Harris.

Morbius (2022)

Explore the origins of Dr. Michael Morbius in this divisive yet relevant movie set in the SSU, providing potential references for Madame Web’s storyline. The film stars Jared Leto as Morbius, a scientist who suffers from a rare blood disorder and tries to cure himself with a radical experiment involving vampire bats. The film also features appearances by Matt Smith, Tyrese Gibson, and Michael Keaton, who reprises his role as Vulture from Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

The third film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man series, starring Tom Holland, is expected to have major implications for the Spider-Verse and Madame Web’s plot. The film follows Spider-Man as he deals with the aftermath of his identity being exposed to the world, and seeks the help of Doctor Strange, who opens a portal to other realities. The film also features the return of villains from previous Spider-Man films, such as Doctor Octopus, Green Goblin, Electro, Sandman, and Lizard.

As anticipation builds for the release of Madame Web, exploring these ten Marvel movies promises a deeper understanding of the Spider-Verse and potential connections to Cassandra Webb’s clairvoyant journey. Each film contributes to the rich tapestry of the Spider-Man Universe, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in Madame Web.