Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Actor Addresses Peter Parker’s Face Change Controversy

Yuri Lowenthal, the lead actor of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, has expressed his weariness regarding the frequent discussions surrounding the alteration of Peter Parker’s facial appearance in the game. Lowenthal shared his thoughts with ComicBook.com, ahead of the highly anticipated release of Spider-Man 2.

Marvel’s Spider-Man, developed by Insomniac Games and released in 2018, gained enough popularity to result in Insomniac’s official acquisition by Sony. It even served as the inspiration for the character’s depiction in the animated film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

Controversy arose with the release of the remastered version of the original game for PlayStation 5 in 2020, which showcased a significant modification to Peter Parker’s facial model. Insomniac clarified that the change aimed to enhance the synchronization of facial animations with Yuri Lowenthal’s performance. However, some fans, who preferred actor John Bubniak’s previous, more mature appearance, criticized the adjustment. They argued that it seemed like an effort to replicate the younger Spider-Man portrayed by Tom Holland in the Marvel Cinematic Universe–a choice they believed did not align with the experienced web-slinger established in the first game.

“The performance remained the same for me,” Lowenthal stated. “I quickly accepted it when they said, ‘Hey, we want to make this change to improve the facial animation.’ I said, ‘I’m fully on board!’ I don’t care if he resembles a goblin, as long as my performance is enhanced, then count me in. To be honest, I’m quite tired of discussing it because I believe everything that needs to be said has already been said.”

Lowenthal further added, “Some individuals may take longer to accept it, while others may never accept it. The one positive aspect I take away from this experience is that people formed such a strong emotional connection with the character in the first game that they become upset when they perceive changes. I can only be so upset about that because it means it worked, not the change itself, but the fact that you connected with the character, which is fantastic. Now, move on!”

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is scheduled to be released on October 20 for the PlayStation 5.