Across both The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Marc Webb created a distinct universe that is making a return in Spider-Man: No Way Home. One consistently praised aspect of both films is the relationship between Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy.
Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone’s performance as these two characters led to a couple that audiences adored and real-life couple aspire to be like. The characters themselves were well-written and proved to be a likable pairing that some fans hope to see again via the multiverse.
10 Gwen Treated Peter Kindly
Rather than the typical approach of Peter Parker practically stalking his love interest for a majority of the film, Gwen Stacy is rather quick to introduce herself to him. This loner version of Peter is genuinely shocked since Gwen compliments him and even shows concern over the wounds he just gained from Flash Thompson’s beating.
It’s not only refreshing to see the girl make the first move but she treats Peter like a normal person. From the moment they start talking, the chemistry between the two characters feels realistic.
9 They Were Midtown’s Best And Brightest
Not only are they cute to each other in general but Peter and Gwen have a lot in common in The Amazing Spider-Man universe. Both are geniuses with Peter able to develop his own technology and web fluid to become New York City’s local vigilante and Gwen becoming a respected intern then an employee at OsCorp.
Together, Peter and Gwen use their scientific minds to uncover the weaknesses of villains and defeat them. In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Gwen proves to be even smarter than Peter as she creates a means for his web-shooters to be immune to Electro AKA Max Dillon’s powerful attacks.
8 They Had Real-Life Chemistry
It seemed like Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy are made for each other and their relationship felt real. That’s because it was; actors Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone at the time had formed a genuine relationship off-camera. It soon becomes rather clear that their real-life chemistry leaked into their performances.
This is actually a pattern with the Spider-Man franchise, with Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst as well as Tom Holland and Zendaya romantically engaged since their time with Spider-Man.
7 There Was No Toxicity
One of the biggest complaints about Peter and MJ’s relationship in the Sam Raimi films was the overuse of manufactured drama between the two. The two always managed to feature toxic behavior from Peter Parker’s aforementioned stalking to MJ being so self-centered in all three films.
With Gwen and Peter, the two are always happy around each other; even when they are having relationship problems, the drama feels more real but the two still manage to make each other smile.
6 Gwen Was Always Helpful
Many, including some of the best superhero love interests, fall victim to the overused trope of being a damsel in distress for the villain. Gwen was different in this regard as not only did she always run towards danger but even when attacked by a villain, she did more than scream and wait for Spider-Man to save her.
When Lizard attacked, Gwen whipped out a handmade flamethrower to fend him off, Gwen helped Spider-Man develop the cure to the Lizard’s virus, and even when Green Goblin held her high in the sky, she attempted to reason with him. That one time when she was a damsel, is also a legitimate one because it led to her death.
5 Peter Trusted Gwen With His Secret
Whether it’s comics, movies, or video games, Peter holds his secret close to his chest, and when he is revealed, it’s usually out of his control. It shows how much Peter loves Gwen in The Amazing Spider-Man when he decides to let her in on the truth.
It’s a cute moment as Peter stumbles over his words only to reveal it by webbing Gwen and twirling her into his arms. Peter is an awkward guy but he is an adorable romantic, showing why Gwen falls for him.
4 They Could Not Stay Apart
True love makes it hard for someone to avoid their significant other. In The Amazing Spider-Man, Captain Stacy tells Peter to stay away from Gwen as his final words. At first, Peter tries to fulfill the man’s dying wish but the movie ends with Peter and Gwen reuniting.
In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter’s guilt forces Gwen to break up with him. Does that stop the two from being together? Nope. They try to stay as friends with each other but rather quickly, they become romantically involved again.
3 Peter Was Willing To Move To The UK
Gwen was interviewing to go to Oxford in the United Kingdom. Obviously, Peter has trouble with the idea of letting her go, let alone across the globe. With all of the drama of his life in New York City weighing him down, he makes a surprising decision. It’s actually one of the most memorable moments in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 because of the characters’ love for each other.
Peter sweeps Gwen off her feet and says that he literally cannot live without her and is willing to move with her to the United Kingdom to be with her. This plan does not come to fruition but it is touching to see what lengths Peter is willing to go to stay with the woman he loves.
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1 Gwen Still Inspires Peter After Dying
Even after her death, Gwen leaves an impact on Spider-Man. Peter rightfully retires after losing the woman he loved but that doesn’t stop crime or villains from rising. It also doesn’t stop Gwen from being a ray of light in Peter’s life as he watches her graduation speech.
The speech gives Peter the spirit to put the mask back on and continue defending his city. He not only accepts that she’s gone but that he can live without her, even if it hurts to do so. Peter will always remember her, using that memory to never lose sight of his responsibility as Spider-Man.
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