A loyal friend or a vengeful shadow of his father?
In short: In Sam Raimi's Spider-Man films, Harry Osborn begins as Peter Parker's loyal protector. However, a tragic misunderstanding and a legacy of villainy transform the wealthy heir into the New Goblin, driven by a desperate need for vengeance and his father's approval.
Portrayed by James Franco, Harry Osborn's journey in the 2002 film series is defined by a struggle for identity. Initially depicted as a good man who avoids the spoils of his inheritance, Harry's character is marked by a deep-seated desire to please his father, Norman Osborn. Driven by an obsession that clouds his reasoning, he views Mary Jane Watson merely as a prize to satisfy his father, while feeling profound envy of Peter Parker. His complicated relationship with his father often caused him to treat his girlfriend, Mary Jane, like a trophy. Furthermore, he initially struggled to maintain his social standing, having been expelled from several private schools before enrolling at Midtown High.
The turning point occurs following the death of Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin. Misled by the belief that Spider-Man killed his father, Harry's grief turns into a violent vendetta. This obsession leads him to adopt the 'New Goblin' mantle, utilizing his father's leftover technology. Unlike the original bulky suit, the New Goblin's gear—including a mask resembling a ski mask and a snowboard-like glider nicknamed the Sky Stick—was modified, possibly to avoid the backlash received by the original suit. This transformation is fueled by his mistaken belief that Spider-Man was responsible for his father's demise. His new equipment serves as a stark contrast to the bulky original gear.
Harry's descent is further complicated by his attempt to gain power through an ill-fated experiment involving tritium, a rare form of hydrogen, funded by his company, Oscorp. The resulting failure leads to the emergence of Doctor Octopus. Ultimately, Harry's arc is one of reconciliation; after discovering that his nemesis is actually his best friend, he overcomes his misguided hatred to form an effective team with Peter. This disastrous event directly contributes to the rise of the villainous Doctor Octopus. Eventually, Harry manages to reconcile with Peter, moving past his intense vendetta.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Harry Osborn (2002 film series character)
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