The comic book incarnation of Marvel’s Madame Web is an elderly, visually impaired clairvoyant who tends to play a supporting role in Spider-Man tales and has unparalleled insight into the Spider-Verse. This makes her an important character in Marvel Comics lore, even if her name recognition might not be on the level of Spidey’s best-known supporting characters. She also played a pivotal role in the character’s 1990s animated series, as a mysterious behind-the-scenes presence giving Peter Parker advice that he often didn’t want while readying him for the major conflicts of the final season.
In the movie, of course, Madame Web is very different. This time, she’s portrayed by a much younger person: Dakota Johson (“Suspiria”). In “Madame Web,” Johnson’s role isn’t the only spider-themed character to appear in the movie. She’s joined by “Euphoria” and “The White Lotus” star Sydney Sweeney, who plays Julia Carpenter, whose comic book incarnation is a superhero who has operated both as Spider-Woman and as another version of Madame Web. Judging by the first trailer, “Madame Web” will certainly show a hitherto unseen side of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. Fans will no doubt be interested to see how the S.J. Clarkson-directed movie will succeed.
“Madame Web” releases in theaters on February 16, 2024.
