(Warning: The videos in this article may contain potential spoilers for Spider-Man: Far From Home. If you’re familiar with Mysterio’s origins in the comics, then you should be fine.)
Welcome to Weekend Watch, a recurring feature where we highlight some of the best geek-related videos around the web. Whether it’s short films, behind-the-scenes clips, video essays, or top 10 countdowns, the only requirement is that they are about our favorite geeky topics!
In this edition of Weekend Watch, we’re celebrating the release of Spider-Man: Far From Home by taking a look at the history and evolution of Mysterio and the Elementals. Kicking things off, we have a video that explores the history behind the Master of Illusions. Next, we have a video that nicely summarizes Mysterio’s powers and abilities. After that, we have a showcase about the evolution of Mysterio in movies and TV.
Following that, we delve into the origins and evolution of The Elementals. After that, we have two videos that explore the origin and evolution of Hydro-Man and Molten Man. Finally, we’ll close things out with Jake Gyllenhaal as he discusses some of his most iconic roles, including Mysterio.
History of Mysterio
Our first video comes from the always-trusty Variant Comics, as they break down Mysterio’s history. Although he made his debut in The Amazing Spider-Man #13 in 1964, Mysterio is finally making his live-action debut in Spider-Man: Far From Home. As per usual, the video goes through the character’s origin storyline. It’s much sillier than it has any right to be, but the film version brilliantly modernizes the character.
The video goes through the publication history and major story arcs for Mysterio, including his time as a member of the Sinister Six. It also quickly touches on the Francis Klum’s Mysterio, as well as Quentin Beck’s eventual resurrection. The video also covers the powers and abilities of Mysterio that allows him to create powerful and complex illusions.
Mysterio’s Powers Explained
Speaking of Mysterio’s powers (or lack thereof), this video from Key Issues takes a look at Quentin Beck’s abilities. Even though the video only lightly touches on his origin, it does an excellent job of summarizing his various powers and abilities. Beck doesn’t possess any superhuman powers, but his background in special effects allows him to create masterful illusions.
The video also touches on Mysterio’s most memorable interactions with Spider-Man, which offers a well-rounded approach to his powers and abilities.
Evolution of Mysterio in Comic Book Cartoons, Movies & TV
This video from ComicBook Debate compiles every single Mysterio appearance/cameo in Cartoons, Movies, and TV thus far. It includes moments from his earliest animated appearance in 1967’s Spider-Man to his live-action debut in Far From Home. Although Mysterio’s look has mostly remained faithful to the comics, it’s interesting to see all of the subtle differences between each of the different iterations of the character. This video also includes Bruce Campbell’s three cameos in the Sam Rami Spider-Man films. Campbell was initially supposed to portray the Master of Illusion in Rami’s canceled Spider-Man 4.
Who Are The Elementals In Spider-Man: Far From Home?
This video from GameSpot Universe explores which comic book characters that inspired the Elementals in Spider-Man: Far From Home. As it turns out, the answer is much more complicated, because the Elementals have only a minimal resemblance to their comic counterparts. The video delves into their origins, along with quickly glossing over the inclusion of Hydro-Man and Molten Man.
Origin Of Hydro-Man and Molten Man
This video from Variant breaks down the comic book origins of both Hydro-Man and Molten Man. Both make their big screen debut in Spider-Man: Far From Home, albeit as inspiration for the depiction of the Elementals in their live-action appearance.
Hydro-Man Evolution In Movies And Cartoons
Despite making his live-action debut in Spider-Man: Far From Home, Hydro-Man has made several appearances in animated shows throughout the years. This video from J.A.R.V.I.S. showcases each of these appearances. Starting with 1994’s seminal animated series Spider-Man, his second appearance came soon after that in the Fantastic Four Animated series. Since then, he’s had two more appearances in the Spectacular Spider-Man and Ultimate Spider-Man animated series. If anything, this video proves that Hydro-Man hasn’t evolved that much throughout the years.
Jake Gyllenhaal Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters
Finally, this video from GQ features Jake Gyllenhaal discussing some of his most iconic roles, including Spider-Man: Far From Home. Gyllenhaal discusses getting the role of Mysterio, the new interpretation of the character, and his working relationship with Tom Holland. Although this only covers a small portion of the video, he also looks back on his other roles. Additionally, Gyllenhaal touches on his parts in Donnie Darko, Nightcrawler, End of Watch, Brokeback Mountain, and October Sky.
What are your thoughts on Spider-Man: Far From Home? Did you enjoy Mysterio’s big screen debut? Make sure to let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
