This article contains spoilers for What If…? Episode 5.
The latest episode of What If…? has premiered on Disney Plus, and it once again tells a story unlike any that have come before it in the series. And a major part of that uniqueness comes from the character at the center of the action.
What If…? Episode 5, simply titled “What If… Zombies!?” is very much an ensemble piece. The episode focuses on a diverse team of characters from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe — from Bruce Banner to Okoye to Kurt from Ant-Man — as they work together in an attempt to save Earth from a zombie apocalypse that’s already infected the majority of earth’s mightiest heroes. But the hero who arguably steals the show the most is none other than the amazing Spider-Man, finally making his What If..? debut.
Though Peter Parker has made plenty of appearances in the MCU since his debut in Captain America: Civil War, this is his first time doing so in animated form. And more notably, it's the first time this incarnation of Spider-Man hasn’t been portrayed by Tom Holland — unlike most of the episode’s cast, Peter’s original actor does not reprise his role, though you’d be forgiven for thinking he did. Spider-Man’s voice is instead provided by actor and singer Hudson Thames, who does a nearly pitch-perfect imitation of Holland’s Peter Parker. (Coincidentally, Thames also once recorded a single featuring Spider-Verse’s Gwen Stacy, Hailee Steinfeld).
But despite the change in actor, this is very much the same friendly neighborhood Spider-Man that MCU fans know and love. Even in the midst of a zombie plague, Peter shows off the same youthful, wide-eyed innocence and wisecracking charm that help define Spider-Man as a character. In fact, the dire circumstances arguably mean that humor is needed more desperately than ever to offset what would otherwise be an oppressively bleak story — much like the truly dark fourth episode of the series, following Doctor Strange’s descent into the depths of despair. And when it comes to lightening the mood, few Marvel heroes provide levity in dark times quite like the spectacular Spider-Man.
Indeed, Peter manages to find himself right at home in the zombie apocalypse despite the grim circumstances. He once again shows off his decidedly goofy video-editing skills for the first time since Homecoming, filming a zombie survival guide that calls to mind iconic horror-comedies like Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead. By placing Spider-Man at the center of such a well-worn movie scenario, he manages to make good use of his pop culture knowledge to protect himself and his allies. Despite the apocalyptic situation he finds himself in, Peter Parker is in his element in many ways.
But make no mistake, Spider-Man has much more than comic relief to offer in this episode. In fact, he’s arguably the heart and soul of the entire story. Episode 5 of What If…? effectively highlights all of Spider-Man’s best traits — not just his sense of humor, but his heroic nature as well. Throughout the episode, Peter fights valiantly against the zombie horde, keeping up with the likes of Bucky Barnes, the Wasp, and even the Vision on the battlefield. Even when he’s confronted with a zombified Scarlet Witch, he doesn’t hesitate to rush into battle to protect his allies. It doesn’t matter how much danger he’s in, Spider-Man shows his characteristic determination to fight against impossible odds.
One of the most memorable scenes in the episode is when Peter is talking with Hope Pym on the train to Camp Lehigh. She asks him how he manages to stay so upbeat even as the world is on the verge of collapse. Peter’s mask of optimism falls for a second as he looks back on everyone he’s lost over the years — his parents, Uncle Ben, and now Aunt May, Tony Stark, and Happy Hogan as well. But despite all the suffering he’s endured, Peter refuses to give in. “If we don’t keep smiling when they can’t, then we might as well be gone too,” he tells Wasp. “They’d want us to keep going.”
With this one brief exchange, the episode highlights the two qualities that make Spider-Man one of Marvel’s greatest heroes. First and foremost is Peter’s great responsibility — his selfless desire to help those in need, save everyone he can, and fight the good fight no matter what. But while Spider-Man’s sense of responsibility is well-known as the defining virtue of his character, the scene also plays up one of Peter’s other heroic attributes: his ability to inspire hope. Peter says that hope is “the key to survival”, and through his own irrepressible idealism, he inspires hope in his allies even when all seems lost. Spider-Man may not be a born leader like Captain America or Black Panther, but his courage and optimism make him a true beacon of hope, even in humanity’s darkest hour.
Even in an episode as action-packed as this, What If…? proves once again that one of its greatest strengths is its character writing. No matter what wild alternate universe scenarios they find themselves in, the core traits that make the MCU’s characters so iconic remain intact. And even when he finds himself fighting against a zombie apocalypse, Peter Parker is still the same wisecracking, compassionate, and courageous Spider-Man who always gets back up. Time will tell if the web-slinger makes another appearance in What If…?, but this episode definitely showcases why Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes.