Off My Mind: Is Proto-Goblin the Next Spider-Man Movie Villain?

Does his story tell a big portion of the movie's plot?

By Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero | Dec. 10, 2010

Proto-Goblin is rumored to be the next big screen Spider-Man villain. Who is Proto-Goblin? If you haven't heard of him or can't remember who he is, don't feel bad. Proto-Goblin appeared in one single comic book, Peter Parker, Spider-Man # -1, the Flashback issue.

It hasn't been confirmed that Proto-Goblin will be the villain in the next Spider-Man movie. We're supposed to see Rhys Ifans as Dr. Curt Connors (the Lizard). Recently, Irrfan Khan has been reported as a second villain named Van Atter. That name is very similar to Van Adder, the real name of Proto-Goblin.

If Van Atter is the same character as Proto-Goblin, this could reveal quite a bit about the plot of the next Spider-Man movie.

You can read Proto-Goblin's full story on his character page. It centers around the time before Norman Osborn fully discovered the Goblin formula. Since Norman hadn't found all of Mendel Stromm's notes, the formula was incomplete. Osborn Industries employee Nels Van Adder volunteered to become a guinea pig for Norman. The unfortunate side effect of the formula in this stage was Van Adder was transformed into a red savage beast...a Proto-Goblin. Full of anger and not able to return home to his wife, Van Adder went on the occasional rampage and confronted Osborn. It was up to Captain George Stacy and his brother Arthur to save Norman's life.

Is Gwen Stacy attending her father's funeral?

As far as we know, Norman Osborn hasn't been announced or cast for the movie but it's still early. George Stacy will be played by Denis Leary and he could have a role in fighting off Vat Atter. A funeral scene has been revealed with Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy. George Stacy died during a battle between Spider-Man and Doc Ock but could we see Stacy die as a result of trying to apprehend Proto-Goblin?

We should find out soon whether or not Vat Atter is the same character as Van Adder and if Proto-Goblin will make an appearance. Proto-Goblin as a villain is a bad idea. We already have the Lizard as a villain. Sony should realize after Spider-Man 3 that multiple villains isn't necessarily a good thing. If they feel the need to bring in another villain, why choose Proto-Goblin? Spider-Man has a lot of iconic villains in his rogues gallery and you would think they'd take advantage of that. A red goblin/beast along with the Lizard doesn't get me too excited.

Of course if they do use Proto-Goblin, his story and look could be completely changed. Maybe he would become the result of one of Dr. Connors' experiments. Because it is early and Proto-Goblin hasn't been officially confirmed, I will try to maintain some hope. I just don't have a strong feeling about the movie at this point.

What are your thoughts of Proto-Goblin appearing in the movie? Do you like the idea of Spider-man fighting a savage goblin creature? Do you think Proto-Goblin's story reveals anything about the plot of the movie?

74 Comments

Shaunw1973on Dec. 10, 2010 at 5:42 a.m.

I think I might love Emma Stone. Just a bit.

FadeToBlackBolton Dec. 10, 2010 at 5:42 a.m.

Wow. I hope not. Spidey has more than enough good villains (ignore the oxymoron), using this guy is just weak.

ComicMan24on Dec. 10, 2010 at 5:46 a.m.

Can't say that I am excited with this choice if it true of course. But he may appear for a while and as you said he may be Proto-Goblin only in the name.

Baron_Emoon Dec. 10, 2010 at 5:51 a.m.

Maybe they are trying to build up the character in this film, to potentially use Proto-Goblin in a sequel?

thecheckeredmanon Dec. 10, 2010 at 5:54 a.m.

I'm gonna wrap all the new info about this Spidey flick into one word, "meh"

I think Emma Stone is inspired casting for Gwen (I always liked her more than MJ anyhow) but all this Proto-Goblin hogwash is boooooooooooring. Very NOT excited to see this without a recognizable/classic Spidey bad guy.

Adam Michaelson Dec. 10, 2010 at 5:54 a.m.

I might have missed something, but did they confirm that Dr. Connors will be the Lizard or will he remain in his human form? If he remains human, then it isn't a multiple-villain film like SM3.

Proto-Goblin might not be among the priority choices of many. But if the story is properly done, then I don't mind if it's a villain who's appeared in only one flashback issue throughout Spidey's near 50 year run.

Grimon Dec. 10, 2010 at 5:56 a.m.

i dont even know how to think about this movie. are they going Ultimate, or are they going to go ahead and fabricate whatever crap they want?
I think im done being the type of guy who gets all fanatic about Superhero movies. im only interested in Ironman, the Avengers, and Dark Knight please and thank you.

G-Man staff on Dec. 10, 2010 at 6 a.m.

@Adam Michaels: It might all be speculation at this point. I'd rather see someone other than the lizard as well.

Black Lantern Mar-vellon Dec. 10, 2010 at 6:34 a.m.

We don't need to include ANOTHER goblin. If there's a need for a second villian besides the Lizard, what about Morbius?

Moomin123on Dec. 10, 2010 at 6:41 a.m.

I think the villain should be Doc Ock played by Phillip Seymopur Hoffman. If the rumour about him being involved in the film is true, then I think Doc Ock would be his best suited role.

Adam Michaelson Dec. 10, 2010 at 6:47 a.m.

@Grim said:

"i dont even know how to think about this movie. are they going Ultimate, or are they going to go ahead and fabricate whatever crap they want? I think im done being the type of guy who gets all fanatic about Superhero movies. im only interested in Ironman, the Avengers, and Dark Knight please and thank you."

I'm with you. I've lost faith in FOX and Columbia/Sony when it comes to Marvel properties. Part of me hopes First Class, Wolverine, and Spider-Man aren't well received for one reason: those studios might feel like these franchises have dried up and there isn't any serious money to be made with them anymore, hence Marvel Studios/Disney can reclaim the rights to them and give us better quality films a la Iron Man.

@G-Man said:

" @Adam Michaels: It might all be speculation at this point. I'd rather see someone other than the lizard as well. "

I think the Lizard would best serve if they build towards it. Exploring Dr. Curt Connors' struggles and personal inner demons is a great side story to help build towards a clash between Spidey and Lizard. And I'm not talking about one or two scene cameo appearances like the Raimi trilogy. I'm talking about focusing on Connors as a supporting character.

@Black Lantern Mar-vell said:

"We don't need to include ANOTHER goblin. If there's a need for a second villian besides the Lizard, what about Morbius? "

I'm of the opinion that Morbius would much better fit in a Blade movie. Even if Morbius is a Spidey villain, I think that the whole vampire theme should remain with Blade (since they're considering making more Blade films now).

Metatron_Da_Donon Dec. 10, 2010 at 7:05 a.m.

SPOILER WARNING: Click here to reveal hidden content.

Decept-Oon Dec. 10, 2010 at 7:10 a.m.

Multiple villains worked for Batman: The Dark Knight. Multiple villains isn't what ruined Spider-Man 3. A crappy a$$ story with displaced and unnecessary characters, and actions that were out of Peter Parker's character that ruined that poop-fest.

Still don't know about this movie. Probably just another train wreck engineered by Sony. All aboard.

War Killer is online on Dec. 10, 2010 at 7:10 a.m.

WHO?

Oh...well all I have to say is: NO MORE GOBLINS!

Seriously, Spidey has plenty of villains to use, Shocker, Scorpion, Lizard, Mysterio, ect....lets see them get some spot light in instead

spider-man 2996on Dec. 10, 2010 at 7:19 a.m.

If Gwen is at the funeral maybe it is Arthur staceys funeral

Aeromanon Dec. 10, 2010 at 7:21 a.m.

who the hell is the proto-goblin?

ComiCCloseupon Dec. 10, 2010 at 7:24 a.m.

I would like to see more Gwen the one from th eother movies.. also how about Mysterio?

SethPhotopouloson Dec. 10, 2010 at 7:28 a.m.

I don't think that Sony would pull something this obscure for a villain in their movie.

Journey Into Chaoson Dec. 10, 2010 at 7:49 a.m.

Seriously?
WTF Sony?

batman_is_godon Dec. 10, 2010 at 7:54 a.m.

@G-Man:
Well, i thibk Proto-Goblin might be a good idea because they have so much room to stretch. I would prefer a major villain (shocker), but with Proto-Gobli they can do prettty much whatever they want.

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