Untitled Spider-Man Sequel (2021) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of Untitled Spider-Man Sequel (often referred to as Spider-Man: No Way Home) is a culmination of emotional arcs, multiversal consequences, and sacrifices. After Peter Parker (Tom Holland) asks Doctor Strange to make the world forget he's Spider-Man to protect his loved ones, the spell goes awry, pulling in villains and alternate versions of Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield) from other universes. The film concludes with Peter defeating the villains, curing them of their corruption, and sending them back to their timelines-but at the cost of everyone, including MJ and Ned, forgetting who he is. Peter starts fresh, sewing his own suit and embracing a more anonymous, responsibility-driven life as Spider-Man.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The final act of Untitled Spider-Man Sequel is a poignant mix of triumph and tragedy. After the multiversal chaos caused by Doctor Strange's botched spell, Peter realizes that the only way to restore balance is to erase himself from everyone's memory-including MJ (Zendaya), Ned (Jacob Batalon), and even Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau). This decision stems from his growth across the trilogy, where he learns that being a hero isn't about fame or recognition but about sacrifice. The climax sees Peter, alongside the two other Spider-Men, curing the villains (Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Electro, Sandman, and Lizard) of their villainous traits, giving them a second chance in their respective universes.
The most heartbreaking moment comes when Peter visits MJ's coffee shop after the spell is cast. He sees her wearing the bandage he gave her during their final battle, a silent reminder of their connection, but she doesn't recognize him. Peter starts to tell her who he is but stops, realizing that dragging her back into his dangerous life would be selfish. Instead, he walks away, symbolizing his full embrace of the "great responsibility" that comes with his powers. The film ends with Peter moving into a tiny apartment, sewing a new, homemade Spider-Man suit, and swinging into the city-no longer the naive kid from Homecoming but a lone, self-made hero.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Will MJ and Ned ever remember Peter?
- Possible Answer: The spell seems permanent, but magic in the MCU is often reversible. Doctor Strange or another sorcerer might find a loophole.
- Alternative: Peter might choose never to reveal himself again to keep them safe.
What happens to the cured villains in their own universes?
- Possible Answer: They return to their timelines without their villainous tendencies, potentially altering their fates (e.g., Norman Osborn might not die, Electro could become a hero).
- Alternative: The MCU may revisit them in future multiverse stories, showing the ripple effects of their redemption.
How does this ending set up future Spider-Man stories?
- Possible Answer: With no Stark tech or allies, Peter is now a street-level hero, possibly leading to team-ups with Daredevil or the Fantastic Four.
- Alternative: The multiverse arc could continue, with other Spider variants (like Miles Morales) appearing.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
The ending of Untitled Spider-Man Sequel is one of the most emotionally resonant conclusions in the MCU. It strips Peter Parker down to his core-no more billionaire tech, no more Avengers backing him up, and no more loved ones who know his secret. It's a bold, mature direction that harkens back to Spider-Man's comic roots, where he's often a struggling, lonely hero. Tom Holland delivers his best performance yet, capturing both the weight of Peter's sacrifice and his quiet determination to keep going. The inclusion of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield wasn't just fan service; it reinforced the idea that being Spider-Man is a cycle of pain and perseverance.
That said, the film isn't without flaws. The multiverse mechanics are confusing at times, and some characters (like Sandman and Lizard) feel underutilized. However, the emotional payoff more than makes up for it. The final swing scene, set to Michael Giacchino's haunting score, is a perfect encapsulation of Spider-Man's essence: hope in the face of loneliness. It leaves the audience eager for the next chapter while also feeling like a definitive close to this trilogy.
In short, No Way Home succeeds by balancing nostalgia, action, and heartfelt storytelling, delivering an ending that's both devastating and inspiring. It's a love letter to Spider-Man fans while pushing the character into uncharted territory-one where he's truly on his own for the first time.