Summary
Madame Webis rumored to have tweakedSpider-Man’s mantra, “With great power comes great responsibility,” a quote that has symbolized the superhero’s moral compass for decades.
The phrase originated from theSpider-Mancomics and is closely associated with the character. Ben Parker mentioned it in the 2002Spider-Manfilm after imploring Peter Parker to use his newfound abilities more responsibly. However, Peter failed to stop the burglar who would go on to kill his uncle, making the impact of the quote deeply personal. Most recently, Aunt May echoed the full phrase in an emotional moment toTom Holland’s Peter ParkerinSpider-Man: No Way Home, mere moments before her demise. It has become an iconic motto representing Spider-Man’s strong sense of responsibility and care for using his superhuman abilities for good.
According to the X/Twitter accountCryptic4KQual,Madame Webwill feature a different version of this quote. The rumored new quote is “When you take responsibility, you will gain powerful abilities.” This would significantlyshift from the traditionalSpider-Manmantra, emphasizing personal responsibility leading to power rather than power intrinsically creating responsibility. While @Cryptic4KQual has previously leaked accurate Marvel-related scoops, Sony has not confirmed this rumor about the quote change.
Cassandra Webb, known as Madame Web, first appeared in Marvel comics in the 1980s as a blind, paralyzed clairvoyant mutant with psychic abilities and connections across parallel realities. She served as a guide and mentor to Spider-Man. However, in the Sony film,Dakota Johnson portrays a younger iteration of Madame Webbwithout her original disabilities. The plot involves Webb investigating her future after a life-threatening car accident gives her new powers to foresee events before they transpire. As she contends with disorienting visions, Webb uncovers threats putting herself and others in jeopardy.
Changing such an iconic Spider-Man quote risks alienating audiences if not handled carefully. Fan reaction to the change has been overwhelmingly negative so far. Most loyal Marvel fans have expressed skepticism, concern, or outright rejection of the rumored shifted meaning. Sony faces considerable backlash while venturing into new territory. Negativity and controversies surrounding changes to beloved aspects of theSpider-Mancanon could significantly impact the reception andMadame Web’s box office performance. The studio has pressure to stick the superhero landing with this film while also appeasing unhappy fans by staying true to the character’s core.
Madame Webis set to arrive in theaters on Jun 22, 2025.
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is one of the biggest names in entertainment today. The superhero first appeared in the Marvel comic Amazing Fantasy #15 before becoming a leading figure in the Marvel comic-book universe.Spider-Man has also featured in numerous films and a plethora of video games, most notably Insomniac Games' Spider-Man (2018) and Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
