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The Madame Web live-action movie is exactly a week away, which means Marvel fans will be lining up in the masses to catch a glimpse at Dakota Johnson’s fresh-faced heroine. Madame Web is directed by S. J. Clarkson, who directed two episodes of Marvel’s Jessica Jones, a dark and gritty crime drama series that Clarkson sought to emulate. It should be worth noting that Johnson’s portrayal of Madame Web is not entirely comic-accurate. Therefore, she does not share complete similarities with Marvel Comics’ rendition of Cassandra Webb.
It has become apparent from trailers and featurettes that Johnson is potentially portraying the reborn version of Madame Web, commonly known through Marvel history as simply Spider-Woman. But before rushing to the movie theater, a few facts about Madame Web are imperative to understanding her backstory.
A Neurological Condition Rendered Cassandra Visually Impaired
Cassandra Webb was born and raised in Salem, Oregon. She was also born blind and with a neurological condition known as myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder that weakens skeletal muscles.
However, in the Madame Web trailer, it is revealed that Webb worked as a paramedic prior to an incident that induced myasthenia gravis. It appears that she was not born blind, either, but rather retained her psychic powers from the accident.
Madame Web Possesses Powers of Telepathy and Clairvoyance
Regardless of whether Webb was born with myasthenia gravis or developed it in later life, she also experienced side effects of telepathy and clairvoyance. She can read minds, project thoughts, control astral projection (like Doctor Strange), and even perceive events before they occur.
In the comics, Madame Web relied on a life support machine designed by her late husband, but Johnson’s version seems physically able. Webb used her newfound abilities to excel as a medium.
Cassandra Is Loyal to Peter Parker
There have been several occasions in the past where Cassandra has teamed up with Peter Parker to assist him in taking down particularly evasive villains. She helped Peter take down a group of animal-themed villains, like Rhino, Lizard, Vulture, etc. After Aunt May was shot by Kingpin and rendered comatose, she granted Peter the ability to speak to her using the same concept as astral projection.
When Juggernaut planned to kidnap Madame Web, she foresaw this future and contacted Spider-Man for his assistance in taking him down. Although Webb ended up near death with amnesia, she thanked Spider-Man for coming to her aid.
The Other Spider-Women
Madame Web has collaborated with Jessica Drew and Julia Carpenter, the first two Spider-Women, along with Mattie Franklin. Judging by the Madame Web cast, Dakota Johnson’s Cassandra will also cross paths with her fellow Spider-Women. In Marvel Comics history, Webb enlisted the help of Drew, Carpenter, and Franklin to subdue her granddaughter, who had fallen victim to Doc Ock’s influence.
Although Johnson’s Webb will be going toe-to-toe with Ezekiel Sims in the movie, it appears all four Spider-Women will be working together. Also in the comics, before she is killed by Sasha Kravinoff of the Kravinoff clan, Cassandra bestows her powers upon Julia Carpenter — along with the mantle of Madame Web.
A Run-In With Ezekiel Sims
Tahar Rahim will play Ezekiel Sims in Madame Web. At one point in time, Ezekiel underwent a ritual involving a Spider-Totem that granted him abilities akin to those of Spider-Man. He and Peter Parker soon came under fire from a being known as the Gatekeeper. Ezekiel told Peter that the Gatekeeper intended to kill him for gross misuse and unworthiness of his Spider-Man-like abilities.
After an ensuing fight, Ezekiel sacrifices himself to the Gatekeeper to spare Peter, realizing that he had wasted his life seeking wealth. In Madame Web, Ezekiel appears much younger as he tracks down Cassandra Webb and her fellow Spider-Women.
