The Feasibility of Green Goblin and Doc Ock’s Deaths Being ‘All Over the News’ in Spider-Man: No Way Home

When Sandman makes the statement in Spider-Man: No Way Home that Green Goblin and Doc Ock's deaths were 'all over the news,' it raises some intriguing questions. How can these events be so widely known, considering that Peter Parker himself, as the only witness, never shared the details? This article explores possible explanations within the context of the film and the broader mythos of the Spider-Man universe.

Public Knowledge of Superhero Events

In the world of the Spider-Man movies, particularly in Sam Raimi’s trilogy, major events involving superheroes and villains often capture the public's attention. Even if Raimi-Peter Parker was the only one to witness the deaths of Green Goblin and Doc Ock, the scale and significance of their encounters with Spider-Man would likely lead to extensive media coverage. This coverage could include reports from witnesses, emergency services, and the Hollywood gossip machine itself.

Media Coverage

Major incidents like those involving Green Goblin and Doc Ock would attract significant media attention. The battles could be documented by various news outlets, including printed newspapers, television news channels, and online media. Public funerals, emergency reports, and the aftermath of these confrontations would contribute to widespread coverage. Even if the specific details remain unclear, the public would have a general understanding that these significant figures had met their demise.

Context of the Multiverse

The multiverse concept in Spider-Man: No Way Home adds an element of complexity. Sandman comes from a different universe where these events might have been widely discussed or even more prominently covered. In his universe, Green Goblin and Doc Ock’s deaths would likely be significant news, prompting extensive media coverage and public speculation. This inter-universe knowledge could easily explain why Sandman would make the statement that their deaths were 'all over the news.'

Retconning and Storytelling

Film portrayals often adapt or retcon details for narrative purposes. While Raimi-Peter might not have explicitly shared the details of Green Goblin and Doc Ock's deaths, the filmmakers might have chosen to omit certain information to focus on Spider-Man’s journey and the broader story arc. However, the public's awareness of these significant events could still be effectively communicated through media coverage in the fictional world of the film.

Furthermore, considering the significant prominence of both Norman Osborn (Green Goblin) and Norman Osborn (Doc Ock) in the Raimi universe, even Norman Osborn was quite noteworthy in the Raimi-verse, running one of the most noteworthy scientific/tech companies in the world. He even had a public funeral at the end of the first movie. The public awareness would extend to his death as well.

For Octavius, his robotic arms and his notorious experiments on creating his own sun contributed to his infamy in New York City. The NYPD would certainly be informed about the destruction at the warehouse in Spider-Man 2, and Mary Jane’s account would provide the police with comprehensive details.

In summary, while Raimi-Peter might not have shared the details of these deaths, the nature of superhero stories, media coverage, and the multiverse concept allows for Sandman's statement to hold weight within the context of Spider-Man: No Way Home.