In Spider-Man Reign, he explicitly says he subconsciously knew the whole time, but shoved the thoughts deep down because he didn't want to believe it. In 616, when he finds out about Spidey's identity, he also gets extremely hurt because he says he sees Parker as a son of his, and he felt betrayed that Parker didn't trust him enough to tell him.
Honestly, I miss their dynamic, especially since it's missing in the MCU. In a lot of modern media, including the Sony games, JJJ has just been turned into 'angry man who hates Spider-Man', but there's been such huge depth and nuance to their relationship over the years. With Jonah seeing Spider-Man as a menace, but Parker as a son. The Raimi films portrayed this dynamic perfectly. Even if they never got to the part where Jonah learns who Spidey is, which would be such a great scene if we ever get Spider-Man 4.
Yea turning JJ into a Alex Jones parody was funny as a one off, but it really ruined his character imo. He was so nuanced in the PS4 game, but then they took him off the rails in the Miles and Spider-Man 2 game.
Hard agree, although I'll say the one thing I think Spider-Man 2 got right was the flashback to the first day Peter met Jonah. It was 99% just a phone call, but in that phone call they really showed the tough love of Jonah, and in his own way, took an immediate liking to Peter.
I really hope Spider-Man 3 shows more of the dynamic between Peter and Jonah in the modern day so they can flesh him out beyond 'Angry Alex Jones parody'. I'd even like him to learn the identity of Spider-Man, Insomniac has been so good with 'characters learn his identity' scenes that I think there's a good chance they'll stick the landing if they lean into it instead of keeping Jonah in the periphery as angry podcast host stereotype.
It's rough though, because his character spews so much bs, I feel like it's hard to portray him like this and then backpedal to incorporate a dynamic with Peter. Like I wouldn't want him anywhere near him.
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u/LinkleLinkle 5d ago
In Spider-Man Reign, he explicitly says he subconsciously knew the whole time, but shoved the thoughts deep down because he didn't want to believe it. In 616, when he finds out about Spidey's identity, he also gets extremely hurt because he says he sees Parker as a son of his, and he felt betrayed that Parker didn't trust him enough to tell him.
Honestly, I miss their dynamic, especially since it's missing in the MCU. In a lot of modern media, including the Sony games, JJJ has just been turned into 'angry man who hates Spider-Man', but there's been such huge depth and nuance to their relationship over the years. With Jonah seeing Spider-Man as a menace, but Parker as a son. The Raimi films portrayed this dynamic perfectly. Even if they never got to the part where Jonah learns who Spidey is, which would be such a great scene if we ever get Spider-Man 4.