Spider-Man: Homecoming Writer Reveals Why Uncle Ben Is Not in the Movie

One of the staples of a Spider-Man story is Uncle Ben, who said the most famous comic book line "With great power comes with great responsibility" and whose death becomes a huge turning point for Peter Parker as he becomes our friendly neighbor. The character appeared in both Sam Raimi and Marc Webb film versions, but he is notably absent in the MCU iteration. Now, we know the reason why.

During ComicBook.com's Spider-Man: Homecoming Quarantine Watch Party, co-writer Jonathan Goldstein was able to address why they excluded Uncle Ben in the film through a response to a fan's tweet. He simply explained, "Exactly. We had no interest in rehashing Uncle Ben's demise."

By the time that we met Peter Parker in the MCU, Uncle Ben was no longer there as he has presumed to have died prior to the events of Captain America: Civil War, and Peter has already become Spider-Man. He also wasn't directly mentioned anywhere in the MCU until the fifth episode of What If...?. However, since the upcoming animated prequel series Spider-Man: Freshman Year is set sometime before Peter was recruited by Tony Stark, it wouldn't be surprising if Uncle Ben will pop up there.

Given that Uncle Ben has been portrayed in both past iterations of the Spider-Man films and how most fans are already familiar with his role in the story of Peter Parker, it is understandable why they excluded the character in Homecoming. Once we see Peter and Aunt May in Civil War, the general audience already has an idea of what happened prior and why Peter welcomes Tony Stark as the father figure that he needs.

Fans are now excited for the next Spider-Man film Spider-Man: No Way Home as it is going to venture into the multiverse and the villains from the past Spider-Man films will show up. Of course, there's also the rumor that Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield might show up. Who knows, Uncle Ben might also get a shoutout in the film. We shall just wait and see.

Also Read: Webheads Begin Fan Casting the MCU's Gwen Stacy Amid New Spider-Man Trilogy Rumors

Spider-Man: No Way Home is set to be released in theaters this coming December 17.