The Evil Spider-Man In Madame Web Explained – Who Is Ezekiel Sims?

Sony’s first trailer for Madame Web features the debut of Ezekial Sims as an evil Spider-Man. A classic character from the original Marvel Comics, Ezekiel’s role in Peter Parker’s life saw him helping the Webslinger take his first steps into a larger world of destiny and totems. However, it looks as though Madame Web’s version will have some key differences and likely some darker origins as the movie’s primary villain.

Starring Dakota Johnson in the titular role as the clairvoyant Madame Web, the new movie is also set to star Sydney Sweeney as Julia Carpenter, Isabela Merced as Anya Corazon, and Celeste O’Connor as Mattie Franklin, all of whom are meant to become various Spider-Women. However, the new trailer for Madame Web reveals that Ezekiel Sims is hunting them down in a bid to change the future, presenting a markedly different Ezekiel than the one seen on the page. Here’s everything to know about Ezekiel Sims’ Evil Spider-Man, including the changes from the comics.

Who Is The Evil Spider-Man In Madame Web?

Marvel Comics’ Ezekiel Sims

As seen in the new Madame Web trailer, Ezekiel Sims looks to be a rival clairvoyant in direct opposition to Dakota Johnson’s Madame Web a.k.a Cassandra Webb. Having the ability to see the future, the trailer shows an older Ezekiel being attacked by Julia Carpenter, Anya Corazon, and Mattie Franklin all dressed in their Spider-Woman/Girl costumes from the comics and wielding superpowers. This explains why the younger Ezekiel in the present is attempting to hunt down the girls in the present, and why Cassandra is trying to protect them using her own abilities to sense future events.

Madame Web’s Ezekiel Sims also has his own black and red spider suit in the new trailer, complete with his own set of spider powers just like Spider-Man. As a result, it looks as though Ezekiel is attempting to rewrite destiny itself, potentially to save his own life in the future. That said, it’s as-of-yet unclear what exactly Ezekiel did in the future to warrant three different Spider-Women coming after him.

Ezekiel Sims Comics Origin Explained

A Spiritual Mentor For Peter Parker

Ezekiel Sims’ first appearance was in 2001’s Amazing Spider-Man #30, created by J. Michael Straczynski and John Romita, Jr. Much to Spider-Man’s surprise, Ezekiel introduces himself to Peter Parker while sticking to the side of a building, confirming his similar abilities while also revealing that he knows his secret identity. However, Ezekiel is not a villain. Instead, Sims becomes a spiritual mentor of sorts to Peter, revealing their shared status as cosmic “spider-totems” and the destiny that comes with it. While Peter was bitten by a radioactive spider, Ezekiel’s powers came from a violent ritual conducted in a Spider-Temple in Peru (something Madame Web’s trailer teases as well).

In the comics, Ezekiel’s primary mission is focused on his attempts to protect Spider-Man and other spider-totems such as Silk from the threat of Morlun, a vampiric being known as an Inheritor seeking to consume the life forces of all Spider-heroes across the Spider-Verse. In many ways, Ezekiel is the character who initially opened the door in the comics to grander concepts such as the Spider-Verse and the multiversal Web of Life and Destiny, something that is greatly connected to Madame Web herself. As such, Ezekiel’s role in the Madame Web movies is quite fitting and exciting, even if he appears to be more of a villain based on this new trailer.

Who Plays Ezekiel Sims In Madame Web

Ezekiel is by Tahar Rahim

Ezekiel Sims will be played by Tahar Rahim. Rahim is best known for his roles in A Prophet (2009), The Mauritanian (2021) and The Past (2013).

Ezekiel Sims Comics Changes Explained

Madame Web’s Ezekiel Is Darker (A Has A Suit)

The biggest visual difference between Madame Web’s Ezekiel and the comics is notably the new spider-suit. While there is an alternate Ezekiel from another universe who had a suit after taking over the Spider-Man role following the death of his world’s Peter Parker, this new movie suit is certainly darker and more sinister. That being said, the live-action Ezekiel is featured in certain shots as he predominantly does in the comics, wearing a suit while barefoot, allowing him to stick to walls. Likewise, the darker motivations where he looks to be trying to kill the future Spider-Women are very different from the page.

How Powerful Is Ezekiel Sims?

Ezekiel’s Very Similar To The Original Spider-Man

In the comics, Ezekiel Sims has the equivalent spider powers as Spider-Man. However, it also looks as though some new powers will be featured in the upcoming Madame Web movie such as clairvoyance and perhaps even the ability to drain life forces.