Set photos have confirmed that at least a portion of Spider-Man 3 will be set during Christmas, and that allows the MCU to fix a mistake related to New York City. Filming is currently underway for the Phase 4 film featuring Tom Holland in his role as Peter Parker. While Atlanta is a primary filming location, NYC is also serving as a key setting, seeing as Peter resides in the Big Apple. With Christmastime in focus, the untitled Spider-Man sequel has the opportunity to fully embrace the setting.
Directed by Jon Watts, Spider-Man 3 takes place after the events of Peter's identity as Spider-Man was revealed. Though much of the plot is being kept under wraps, Peter's peers like Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon) and MJ (Zendaya) are confirmed to return, and Spider-Man 3 will also feature Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) in some role. More notably, however, is the confirmations of Jamie Foxx's Electro and Alfred Molina's Doctor Octopus appearing in the movie. Other actors from past Spider-Man movies expected to appear include Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Tobey Maguire, and Kristen Dunst, though none have been expressly confirmed yet.
When Holland starred in his first solo MCU movie with Spider-Man 3 now has the chance to fix the MCU's previous mistakes by centering on NYC during one of the most magical times of the year.
How Spider-Man 3 Can Embrace NYC With A Christmas Setting
With Spider-Man 3 set around the Christmas season, the MCU can fully embrace NYC to its fullest extent. The city is known for going all out during the holiday season, especially through TV and movie depictions. Through set photos, it's been made clear the movie will feature local neighborhoods and storefronts decked out with decorations. The MCU can step that up a notch by incorporating some of NYC's most well-known landmarks during Christmas. Whether it's the tree in Rockefeller Center, the Christmas Village at Bryant Park, the Empire State Building light show, or various other sights, Spider-Man 3 can take a note from classic movies that embraced NYC at Christmas to build new movie magic.
Aside from the fact that NYC and Christmas seem to always be the perfect match, the specific setting can finally hammer down Peter's love for his home city. As a kid from Queens, he made it clear that he wanted to be a neighborhood protector. There's even an argument that Spider-Man should be a Defender rather than an Avenger. Though his role as a superhero has expanded his scope, Peter will always be connected to NYC. Spider-Man 3 can reiterate that fact as the MCU heads in a new thrilling direction throughout Phase 4.
