The Relevance of Uncle Ben in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

The Relevance of Uncle Ben in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

Why doesn't the MCU use Uncle Ben? In this article, we explore why Uncle Ben, a figure so significant in Spider-Man's origin story, is notably absent in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The Absence of Uncle Ben

The absence of Uncle Ben in the MCU is a decision made deliberately by the creators to move the narrative forward without the weight of revisiting Peter Parker's tragic past. While fans have wondered about UNCle Ben's presence, the MCU writers have been clear that he doesn't play a significant role in Peter's journey.

Aunt May as the MCU's Uncle Ben

Confusing as it may seem, No Way Home confirmed that Aunt May is the MCU version of Uncle Ben. This decision is rooted in the core narrative and emotional journey of Peter Parker, who has already dealt with losing his parents. Through Aunt May, Peter faces a different kind of loss and learns similar, though varied, lessons about responsibility and life.

Intentional Omission for Narrative Continuity

The MCU team made a strategic decision not to revisit Parker's origin story, as it would have required delving into an already familiar narrative. Spider-Man doesn't often mention Uncle Ben in the movies, with the exception of rare instances where an alternate version of Uncle Ben makes a brief appearance. These moments are not central to the plot, ensuring the continuity of the main story.

The "What If…Zombies!" Episode

One of the only mentions of Uncle Ben in the MCU comes from the What If… episode, “What If...Zombies!”. In this episode, Peter reminisces about past losses, including his parents, Aunt May, Uncle Ben, and Happy Hogan. However, this is a different universe, and the events leading up to Ant-Man and the Wasp remain consistent with the MCU timeline.

Differentiation from Previous Versions

Marvel's deliberate omission of Uncle Ben in the MCU serves a purpose—to differentiate their version of Spider-Man from the previous live-action iterations. Both Sam Raimi's and Sam Fisher's Spider-Man series heavily relied on the Uncle Ben story point as a defining element. The Disney animated series Spider-Man: Freshman Year is expected to explore Uncle Ben's role and his death more deeply, adding nuance to the character's backstory.

Conclusion

Uncle Ben is an integral part of Spider-Man's origin story, but his absence in the MCU serves a narrative purpose. By focusing on Aunt May as the emotional and moral guide, the MCU creates a fresh take on the beloved character. However, the ongoing What If… series and Spider-Man: Freshman Year provide remnants of the Uncle Ben narrative, ensuring his legacy lives on.