Across the numerous Spider-Man franchises, many characters have been adapted from the pages of Marvel Comics, including some very obscure examples.

Even the most obscure characters from the numerous Spider-Man franchises actually have their origins in Marvel Comics. Several Marvel movies based on the famed web-swinging superhero have been released over the years, celebrating Marvel’s most iconic hero. Throughout these Spider-Man movie timelines, many minor characters from the pages of Marvel Comics were adapted to live-action.

Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy introduced modern movie-going audiences to Marvel’s famed superhero. These were followed by Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man movies, which sadly only lasted two movies before the franchise was rebooted again. This time, Spider-Man appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Sony produced a litany of ancillary adventures, depicting Spider-Man characters such as Venom and Madame Web. Throughout these, some very obscure characters from Marvel Comics have been adapted to cinema.

10. Dr. Mendel Stromm Is Robot Master

Spider-Man (2002)

In Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man movie, Mendel Stromm is portrayed as a brilliant scientist and Norman Osborn’s business partner. He first appeared in 1966’s The Amazing Spider-man #37 and ultimately transforms into the villainous Robot Master. Driven by his genius and obsession with robotics, Stromm creates powerful mechanized minions to enact his sinister schemes. His character embodies the classic trope of a scientist consumed by his own creations, leading to his transformation into a formidable adversary for Spider-Man and other Marvel heroes. With his intellect and technological prowess, Robot Master stands as a formidable foe from Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery.

9. Donald Menken Works For Oscorp

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

Donald Menken from The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a character from Marvel Comics who was introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man #239 in 1983. As a key figure in the corporate hierarchy, Menken’s role often intertwines with the ambitions and machinations of Norman Osborn, the enigmatic head of Oscorp. Menken is portrayed as a loyal, yet often morally ambiguous executive, whose allegiance to Osborn leads him to navigate treacherous waters within the company. His character serves as a foil to the more overtly villainous personas within Oscorp, showcasing the complexities of power dynamics and corporate intrigue in the Marvel universe.

8. Ashley Kafka Is Very Different In The Comics

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Ashley Kafka, portrayed by Marton Csokas, diverges notably from his Marvel Comics counterpart. Unlike the compassionate and empathetic psychiatrist in the comics, this rendition depicts Kafka as a morally ambiguous figure. In the film, Kafka is portrayed as a male scientist at Ravencroft Institute, exhibiting a colder demeanor and questionable ethics in his scientific experiments. This departure underscores a darker portrayal, where Kafka’s motivations are more driven by scientific curiosity rather than genuine concern for his patients’ well-being. In Marvel Comics, Kafka is a female therapist first introduced in The Spectacular Spider-Man #178 in 1991.

7. Alistair Smythe Is Connected To The Spider-Slayers

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Alistair Smythe is notably different from his comic counterpart. In Marvel Comics, Smythe was introduced in 1985’s The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #19, primarily known for becoming the villain, the Ultimate Spider-Slayer. The movie adaptation presents him as an employee of Oscorp, lacking his iconic role in constructing the Spider-Slayers. In the comics, Smythe’s vendetta against Spider-Man stems from his father’s death connected to the Web-Slinger. However, the movie version emphasizes his association with Oscorp’s unethical practices, altering his motivations. Despite these differences, both iterations of Smythe exhibit a brilliant yet morally ambiguous intellect.

6. Jason Ionello Co-Hosts Midtown News

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) & Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Jason Ionello appears in Spider: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home as the co-host on the school news show, Midtown News. Jason originated in Untold Tales of Spider-Man #1 in 1995, where he was a high school bully alongside Flash Thompson, tormenting Peter Parker. Despite initially revering Spider-Man, over time, Ionello developed a vendetta against the hero​​​​​​, leading him to create trouble for the web-slinger whenever possible. This dynamic of a former bully turned antagonist adds depth to the character, reflecting the complexities of human nature and the consequences of envy and resentment.

5. Phineas Mason Is Tinkerer

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

In “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” Phineas Mason, portrayed as a brilliant inventor, is known in Marvel Comics as the Tinkerer. Phineas serves as a tech genius, aiding Adrian Toomes, aka Vulture, in creating advanced weaponry from salvaged Chitauri technology. While in the comics, The Tinkerer has a different backstory and appearance. Initially introduced in 1963’s The Amazing Spider-Man #2, as a foe to Spider-Man, he’s a mastermind behind advanced weaponry and gadgets utilized by various villains. Despite alterations from the source material, Mason’s role as The Tinkerer remains integral, providing a modern twist to the classic Marvel villain.

4. Walter Burke Speaks To The Daily Bugle

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Walter Burke originated in Marvel Comics’ Tales of Suspense #30 in 1962 as a minor character. He subsequently appears in Spider-Man: No Way Home as a construction worker who witnesses Spider-Man’s clash with Sandman and Electro, prompting him to share his experience with The Daily Bugle. In Marvel Comics, Burke appears as a very early assistant to the villain, Charlie Harris. Burke invents a series of terrifying and deadly amusement park rides for Charlie Harris’s villainous deeds. Including Burke in No Way Home was a delightful callback to an early Marvel Comics adventure.

3. Roger Harrington Becomes The Principal

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), & Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Roger Harrington is a recurring character in the Spider-Man movie universe, known for his comedic presence as a hapless teacher. Portrayed by actor Martin Starr, he adds levity to situations in Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home,as well as appearing in The Incredible Hulk. However, in Marvel Comics, Harrington transitions to a more authoritative role as the principal of Midtown High School, where Peter Parker attends. This shift showcases his adaptability across different media iterations while maintaining his connection to Peter’s academic life, offering a consistent thread between the cinematic and comic book universes.

2. Hugh Dell Teaches Peter Parker

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

In Spider-Man: Far From Home, Hugh Dell is portrayed as a supportive and knowledgeable teacher, guiding Peter Parker and his classmates through their school trip to Europe. Dell’s character embodies dedication and enthusiasm for education, offering valuable insights to his students. In Marvel Comics, his counterpart, Julius Dell, similarly plays a crucial role in Peter Parker’s academic journey, often depicted as a mentor figure with a passion for science. Both iterations highlight the importance of educators in Peter’s life, showcasing their impact beyond the classroom, nurturing his intellect, and contributing to his development.

1. Detective Mulligan Becomes Toxin

Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

Detective Mulligan in Venom: Let There Be Carnage, embodies the archetype of a determined investigator whose police work brings him into conflict with Eddie Brock. Patrick Mulligan was introduced in Marvel Comics in Venom/Carnage #1 in 2004, who later becomes the host for the symbiote villain Toxin. In the movie, Mulligan’s relentless pursuit of justice mirrors his comic counterpart’s dedication to law enforcement. As the plot unfolds, hints of Mulligan’s eventual symbiote destiny are subtly woven, teasing the promise of his transformation into Toxin, a compelling storyline that could be explored in future installments of Sony’s Spider-Man franchise.