Spider-Man: Homecoming was an amazing standalone film but fans love knowing how it fits into the big picture, as well as the many fun references that go along with it. Like most Marvel Cinematic Universe movies this had many. First, I’d like to bring attention to the materials that Adrian Toomes and his men are harvesting at the beginning of the film. Because the movie started with a time frame set 8 years prior, it opens up right after the first Avengers film. The equipment they are harvesting is the alien technology of the Chitauri, lead to earth by Loki.
Spider-Man’s first appearance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe was in Captain America 3: Civil War. Near the beginning of the film we see scenes that Parker filmed with him involved in some of those scenes. This helps set up the placement of the movie in the timeline. We learn how he got the suit that he uses in that movie, and how Tony Stark keeps in contact with him.
Damage Control
Also, in the first scene, we are introduced to an older organization, first introduced in the late 80’s, called Damage Control, created by Dwayne McDuffie. Damage Control is known for cleaning up messes caused by super hero conflicts.
The Villains
The films main villain was obviously Adrian Toomes, or The Vulture. However the film also depicted Shocker, Scorpion, and The Tinkerer as well. In the post credits scene when The Vulture is speaking to Scorpion, they allude to the idea of possible forming a team. This team would be Spider-Man’s famous rogue’s gallery- The Sinister Syndicate.
Ganke Lee
In the film, Peter Parker’s best friend is Ned Leeds. Ned Leeds is nothing at all like his comic counterpart. However, Ned Leeds is exactly like the character Ganke Lee. In the comics, Ganke is best friends with Miles Morales (another Spider-Man) and the character in the movie is directly referencing him.
Miles Morales
The movie makes a direct reference Miles Morales, who is currently Spider-Man in the comics. At one in the movie, Peter Parker identifies a man (played by Donald Glover) as Aaron Davis. In Ultimate Marvel, Aaron Davis is Prowler, and Miles Morales’ Uncle. During the film Aaron mentions that he has a nephew, in a direct reference to Miles. In the past, there’s also been a great following called for Donald Glover to play Miles in a feature film. That never occurred, but he did get to play his voice on the Ultimate Spider-Man TV series. Him playing his uncle in this movie was a nod to that.
Other Fun References
- Ned Leeds is purposefully cut off before he finishes a statement saying “Journey into this Amazing…” Fantasy would have been the next word. Spider-Man’s first appearance is in Amazing Fantasy #15.
- Spider-man’s First appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15 depicts him during Homecoming without a date.
- The Amazing Spider-Man #33 depicts Spider-Man lifting a building off his back like in a scene in the movie.
- Spider-Man reverts to a shabby suit in the movie, which Ben Reilly, The Scarlet Spider’s suit in the comics.
- At the end of the film Tony offers Peter a new suit. This suit is The Iron Spider, which he designs and gives him in the comics.