Spider-Man has been swinging through comics since 1962, and in that time he's crossed paths with a staggering number of characters. While icons like Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus get all the spotlight, plenty of others have faded into obscurity. But just because they're not household names doesn't mean they don't deserve another shot. With Spider-Man: Brand New Day already making waves—and shattering box office records—2026 is the perfect time to bring back some of these forgotten faces, whether in the comics or the MCU.
Mindworm (William Turner)
First appearing in Amazing Spider-Man #138 (1974), Mindworm is a mutant with telepathic powers and the ability to drain emotional energy from others. His look—a giant head—might seem goofy, but his backstory is heartbreaking. As a kid, he accidentally drained his mother to death, and his father, panicked, ran into traffic. Orphaned and bullied for his appearance, Mindworm is a tragic figure who could become a compelling modern villain with the right writer. He's ripe for a comeback in comics, games, or even a movie.
Sally Avril
Back in Peter Parker's high school days, Sally Avril was part of the same crowd as Flash Thompson and Liz Allan. She died in a car accident while trying to be a superhero named Bluebird. But in the 2016 "Clone Conspiracy" storyline, the Jackal (Ben Reilly) cloned her back to life as part of a group of resurrected allies. She survived and vanished. Her return could shake up Peter's personal life, especially since people who knew her think she's dead. That's a story worth telling.
Jack O'Lantern
Spider-Man has no shortage of Goblin-like villains, but Jack O'Lantern is one of the most underrated. The mantle has been held by several people over the years, most of whom have died, so a writer could easily revive it and evolve the character beyond just a Green Goblin knockoff. He'd also be a perfect fit for the MCU—imagine a villain montage featuring Jack O'Lantern, giving Tom Holland's Spider-Man a Goblin-esque foe that's actually from his universe. That would be a fresh twist on a familiar trope.
Hypno-Hustler (Antoine Delsoin)
Remember when Sony announced a solo Hypno-Hustler movie starring Donald Glover? That project fizzled, but the character doesn't have to. Last seen in comics attending a villain support group called Vil-Anon alongside Rocket Racer, Hypno-Hustler could easily follow the path of other reformed villains and become a hero—or at least an ally. With Sony's interest already proven, he could pop up in a future MCU project, even if Glover can't play him (he's Aaron Davis in that universe).
Rocket Racer (Robert Farrell)
Rocket Racer is one of Spider-Man's most fun foes—a speedster on a rocket-powered skateboard. His suit gives him durability and micro-rocket gloves, making him a unique challenge for Spidey. But Robert Farrell has since retired from villainy and now works as an engineer at Briggs Chemical LLC. He could easily return to help Peter by crafting some much-needed tech. His complex story—from criminal to engineer—is exactly the kind of redemption arc that resonates with readers.
Why Now?
With Spider-Man: Brand New Day dominating theaters and the MCU's Spider-Man story evolving, there's never been a better time to mine Spidey's deep bench. These characters offer fresh storytelling potential, whether they're reformed villains, tragic figures, or resurrected allies. And with the MCU's shared universe expanding, a cameo or full arc could be just what fans need.
Of course, not every forgotten character needs a big-screen debut. Some could shine in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man (2025), where writers have room to develop them. And with hidden Easter eggs already rewarding eagle-eyed viewers, the groundwork is there.
So here's hoping 2026 brings back Mindworm, Sally Avril, Jack O'Lantern, Hypno-Hustler, Rocket Racer, and others. They've been waiting long enough.
