10 Major Marvel Characters Who Almost Appeared In Spider-Man: The Animated Series

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Spider-Man: The Animated Series featured a wealth of Marvel characters, but more were planned for the show’s unproduced sixth season. Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994–1998) remains one of the most beloved superhero cartoons of all time. Its serialized storytelling, dynamic action, and faithful adaptations of Spider-Man’s comic book lore captivated audiences. The series also introduced viewers to a broader Marvel Universe, featuring guest appearances from iconic characters like the X-Men, Iron Man, and Captain America. However, for all the cameos and crossovers it delivered, many major Marvel characters never made it to the small screen despite plans to include them.

Spider-Man: The Animated Series was a trailblazer in creating a shared Marvel Universe on television. It incorporated a wide array of characters and storylines, but the interconnected nature of Marvel properties also created challenges. Licensing restrictions were a persistent issue, as different networks and studios held rights to various characters. Fox Kids, which aired Spider-Man, frequently ran into conflicts with UPN, which owned The Incredible Hulk animated series, and other studios working on Marvel properties. Plans for a sixth season promised to expand Spider-Man’s world even further, but the series was canceled before those ideas could come to fruition.

10

Magneto Was Supposed To Appear In Secret Wars

Magneto Appeared Throughout X-Men: TAS

Magneto, one of Marvel’s most compelling villains, was originally slated to appear in the “Secret Wars” arc in Spider-Man: TAS season 5. The storyline, based on the iconic comic series, saw Spider-Man transported to an alien planet to lead a group of heroes against a coalition of villains. In early drafts, Magneto was set to play a central role, serving as the primary antagonist in the fourth part of the arc.

His inclusion would have added a morally complex dimension to the story, as Magneto often straddles the line between hero and villain. However, the script was changed, and Magneto was replaced by Mister Sinister. This altered the tone of the story, as Mister Sinister lacks Magneto’s philosophical depth and personal ties to many of the heroes. While “Secret Wars” remains a highlight in Spider-Man: TAS, Magneto’s presence would have been iconic.

9

Mister Sinister Was Also Planned For Secret Wars

Mister Sinister Appeared Throughout X-Men: TAS

Mister Sinister was another casualty of the X-Men: The Animated Series cast’s limited involvement in Spider-Man: The Animated Series. The master geneticist was initially intended to replace Magneto in the “Secret Wars” episodes, joining forces with other villains in a bid for domination. However, due to the decision to exclude most X-Men characters (except for Storm), Sinister’s role was removed.

The high cost of flying out the X-Men: The Animated voice actors for recording sessions played a significant role in this decision, but Iona Morris, who voiced Storm in X-Men: TAS season 1, lived nearby, and so she was included. Mister Sinister’s manipulative genius and obsession with genetics could have made him a standout villain in “Secret Wars,” especially as a foil to the more straightforward physical threats posed by characters like Doctor Doom. Regardless,

8

Iceman Would Have Appeared In An Amazing Friends Tribute

Iceman Appeared In One Episode Of X-Men: TAS

One of the most exciting unrealized plans for Spider-Man: The Animated Series involved a tribute to Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, a beloved 1980s cartoon. This earlier series paired Spider-Man with Iceman as part of a superhero trio. John Semper Jr., the showrunner for Spider-Man: The Animated Series, revealed that plans for a sixth season included a guest appearance by Iceman.

This reunion would have celebrated the legacy of Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends, with Iceman potentially voiced by Frank Welker, who portrayed the character in the original series. This nostalgic episode would have been a treat for fans of both shows, highlighting Spider-Man’s friendships and teamwork. However, with the cancelation of Spider-Man: TAS season 6, this homage never came to fruition, leaving fans to imagine the chemistry and camaraderie that might have unfolded on screen.

7

Jack O’Lantern Was Planned For Season 6

Jack O’Lantern’s Animated Debut Was In Ultimate Spider-Man

Jack O’Lantern is a lesser-known but visually striking Spider-Man villain. Numerous characters have assumed the Jack O’Lantern persona, using weaponry and paraphernalia similar to the Green Goblin and Hobgobglin. Jack O’Lantern was slated to make his animated debut in the unproduced sixth season of Spider-Man: The Animated Series. Known for his flaming pumpkin helmet and advanced technology, Jack O’Lantern would have brought a unique aesthetic and challenge to Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery.

Unlike the Green Goblin or Hobgoblin, Jack O’Lantern lacks a deep personal connection to Spider-Man, making him an unpredictable wildcard. His inclusion would have added fresh energy to the series, exploring a new type of villainy. He could have brought a much darker, almost horrifying tone to the series. Sadly, Jack O’Lantern’s appearance never materialized, depriving audiences of an intriguing antagonist who could have expanded the show’s scope.

6

Firestar Would Have Completed The Amazing Friends Line-Up

Firestar Was Created For Spider-Man And His Amazing Friends

Firestar was an original character created for Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. She quickly became a fan favorite after her introduction in the 1981 series, transitioning into the comics in 1985 and appearing in other subsequent Marvel media. Her fiery powers and cheerful demeanor made her a perfect foil for Spider-Man and Iceman. John Semper Jr. planned to bring Firestar into Spider-Man: The Animated Series alongside Iceman in the sixth season.

This would have been a heartfelt nod to her roots in the Marvel Universe, and Kathy Garver, who voiced Firestar in Amazing Friends, was considered to reprise her role. The planned reunion would have been a nostalgic delight, blending the best of two iconic Spider-Man shows. However, the cancelation of season 6 meant Firestar never got the chance to reignite her partnership with the Web-Slinger.

5

Sandman Wasn’t Allowed Because of a Possible Spider-Man Movie

Sandman’s Animated Debut Was In Spider-Man (1967)

Sandman is one of Spider-Man’s most iconic villains, yet he was conspicuously absent from Spider-Man: The Animated Series. This was because James Cameron was planning a Spider-Man film that would have included the villain. Cameron’s script reportedly included Sandman and Electro as primary antagonists. To avoid overlap, Sandman was barred from appearing in the animated series. Instead, the show introduced Hydro-Man, a water-based villain who served as a stand-in for Sandman’s abilities.

While Hydro-Man added his own flair to the series, Sandman’s absence was hard to ignore, with Hydro-Man serving as an obvious and cheap imitation. Cameron’s movie was ultimately canceled, freeing up the villains to appear. While Electro was able to debut in Spider-Man: The Animated Series season 5, Sandman was scheduled for season 6. Interestingly though, Sandman was still available in the Spider-Man: TAS toy line.

4

She-Hulk Was Supposed To Take Hulk’s Place, But Then Couldn’t

She-Hulk Appeared Throughout The Incredible Hulk: TAS

The “Secret Wars” arc in Spider-Man: The Animated Series faced a significant challenge when the Hulk was prohibited from appearing due to licensing conflicts with UPN’s The Incredible Hulk animated series. To fill this gap, the writers planned to include She-Hulk in his place. However, She-Hulk was later made a main character in The Incredible Hulk season 2, rendering her off-limits as well.

This forced the Spider-Man team to replace her with the Lizard in “Secret Wars” instead, who was established in the series as one of its most compelling villains. She-Hulk’s witty personality and unique powers would have added depth to the storyline, creating an engaging dynamic with Spider-Man and the other heroes. Unfortunately, licensing politics prevented her from joining the action, but she remained a stalwart presence throughout The Incredible Hulk: TAS until its end.

3

A Puma Episode Was Written For Season 6

Puma Made His Animated Debut In Spider-Man (2017)

Puma, aka Thomas Firehear, is a complex character with ties to Native American mysticism. He first appeared as an adversary of Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man #265, but eventually reformed and became an ally of the Web-Slinger. Puma was another planned addition for Spider-Man: The Animated Series season 6, which was never made.

The proposed episode would have delved into Puma’s backstory and his connection to Spider-Man, potentially exploring themes of identity and duty. As an initially morally ambiguous figure, Puma often oscillates between hero and villain, making him an intriguing character to explore. His unique powers, including enhanced senses and agility, would have made for thrilling action sequences. Sadly, the cancelation of Spider-Man: TAS season 6 meant Puma’s story never saw the light of day, leaving a fascinating character unexplored in the animated realm.

2

Ghost Rider Would Have Appeared In Season 6

Ghost Rider Made His Animated Debut In X-Men: TAS

Ghost Rider is one of Marvel’s most iconic and fearsome antiheroes. He was set to team up with Spider-Man in a sixth-season episode of Spider-Man: The Animated Series. The storyline would have involved Mysterio using the Time Dilation Accelerator to summon Dormammu, prompting Ghost Rider and Spider-Man to join forces to stop them. However, Ghost Rider’s inclusion faced multiple hurdles, with several unconfirmed rumors around why he hadn’t appeared sooner.

One theory suggests Fox Kids avoided featuring Ghost Rider to avoid promoting UPN’s attempts to launch a Ghost Rider series. Additionally, concerns from the Broadcast Standards & Practices about Ghost Rider’s fiery imagery may have contributed to his absence, potentially concerned that children may attempt to emulate his appearance. He did, however, appear in other animated Marvel shows, including X-Men: TAS, Fantastic Four, and The Incredible Hulk: TAS.

Hulk Fronted His Own Show With The Incredible Hulk: TAS

The Hulk was another major Marvel character who was barred from appearing in Spider-Man: The Animated Series due to licensing restrictions with UPN’s The Incredible Hulk: TAS. The Hulk was initially supposed to appear in Spider-Man: TAS’s “Secret Wars” adaptation, teaming up with Spidey and several other classic heroes. After he wasn’t permitted, She-Hulk was briefly intended to replace him, before the Lizard was ultimately chosen. Instead, a guest appearance in Spider-Man: TAS season 6 was discussed.

Hulk’s inclusion would have brought an incredible sense of power and complexity to the series, particularly in exploring his relationship with Spider-Man and other heroes. The Hulk still managed to make other appearances in Marvel’s animated universe, including in Fantastic Four and in the Danger Room in X-Men: TAS. Unfortunately, his crossover in Spider-Man: The Animated Series remained unfulfilled.

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