Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Launch Trailer Shows Sandman’s Return

Big game, with even bigger leaks surrounding it. Just about five days ago, it was spotted in an unsolicited Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 gameplay video that Sandman will be making a return to mess up the life of our favorite web swinger. Taking a look at the recently unveiled launch trailer uploaded online by PlayStation, it turns out that the aforementioned leak was no spoof. 

It’s easy to spot the big oaf just around the 19th second in the video, with Sandman trying to make mush out of both Spider-Men—Peter and Miles. As the scene cuts to Miles affirming that he needs Peter’s help on something, the webhead duo is seen struggling against Sandman as he’s wreaking havoc in NYC. It’s worth noting that this is the first time Sandman is making an appearance in Insomniac’s Spider-Man IP. 

A little interesting story to factor into account here, though: While the 2018-released Marvel’s Spider-Man did not feature Sandman as a villain, it sure did hint at him to some extent. One of Peter’s collectible “Backpacks” comprises the “Vial of Sand” as a collection item. Upon viewing the thing, Peter says, “Still not sure if opening this would set the Sandman free, but I’m in no hurry to find out.” 

The latter unequivocally foreshadows the existence of Sandman in Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man universe, so it was only a matter of time before the big baddie showed up himself. That said, Peter and Miles certainly have bigger fish to worry about than Flint Marko, given how the likes of Kraven the Hunter and Venom — arguably Spider-Man’s greatest archnemesis — are after their heads. 

The trailer also emphasizes on Mary Jane, Peter’s partner, seemingly playing an important role in the sequel. The first Marvel’s Spider-Man also featured missions revolving around MJ, but they took more of a stealthy approach than anything else, although often becoming subject to criticism for that reason just as well. 

Related Content to Read Up On: 

• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Receives A 1.8 GB Pre-Release Update
• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s 3D Advertising Goes Live As Game Nears Its Release
• PlayStation Announces New Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 “Stronger Together” Giveaway

In other news, it bears noting that major Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 spoilers have spread across the internet like wildfire, so do be wary of your social media followings in case you’d like to dive into the title blindly. It started off with an hour-long open-world gameplay leak and escalated into the entire suit list for both Spider-Men getting dumped online. Still, that’s nothing compared to what’s out there now.

On the bright side, we’re just four days away from Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 global release. Considering how the game was first announced at the 2021 PlayStation Showcase, we’ve sure come a long way. I personally cannot wait to see how the story unfolds in the sequel, along with whether the game improves upon the fundamentals laid out in the first Marvel’s Spider-Man or not. 

The game will make landfall on October 20, 2023, for the PlayStation 5 exclusively, with no cross-gen support for the PS4. In case you’re looking to get to know better the actors behind the game, here’s a detailed write-up on Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 voice actors and main cast. Spoiler: Don’t expect Tom Hardy playing Venom.