Harry’s fate at the end of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is left up to interpretation. Here’s everything that happens to him, and how his story ends.
Summary
- Harry Osborn, an old friend of Peter and MJ's, develops Oshtoran Syndrome and undergoes an experimental Symbiote treatment.
- Harry discovers Peter's secret identity as Spider-Man, and Peter discovers Harry's Symbiote powers. They believe they can use their powers together to heal the world.
- Harry's fate in the end is left ambiguous.
Harry's fate in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is somewhat ambiguous. Full name Harry Osborn, he's an old friend of Peter and Mary Jane's, going back to their school days at Midtown High. He also happens to be the son of brilliant scientist and shrewd executive Norman Osborn, co-founder of the - to put it mildly - unethical conglomerate Oscorp.
[Warning: This article contains spoilers for the ending and credits scenes of Marvel's Spider-Man 2.]
Harry first appears in the prologue of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, where he's seen being tended to by his father and fellow scientist Dr. Curt Connors as he undergoes an experimental treatment. He plays a pretty major role throughout the rest of the story, and is present during the ending, when he's severely injured. But does Harry really die, or will he live to fight another day?
Harry Inherits Oshtoran Syndrome From His Mother
In Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Harry has a hereditary, neurological condition known as Oshtoran Syndrome. An early-game flashback scene has Peter and Harry breaking into their high school after hours, in order to retrieve a flash drive Peter left in his locker. It's a fun, whimsical little scene: a young Peter uses his newfound Spidey powers to cling to the ceiling, crawl through vents, and pop balloons, all while trying to avoid both security guards and Harry finding out his secret identity.
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After completing one of Spider-Man 2’s longest side missions, players are treated to a scene with the mysterious Delilah. But who is she?But it ultimately takes a tragic turn when, as soon as they've made it out with the drive, a black helicopter touches down on the school's football field. Peter worries it's the police, but Harry says no - that's his dad. Norman pulls Harry aside for a moment. Neither Peter nor the player is privy to their discussion, but by Norman's line, "It's your mother," it's implied that this is the moment where Harry learns of his mother Emily's death. Later in his own life, Harry comes down with the same condition.
Harry Undergoes An Experimental Symbiote Treatment
Norman arranges an experimental form of treatment for Harry, which he and Dr. Connors describe as a "self-learning exoskeleton." In order to cover for his sudden absence, Norman and Harry spread the rumor that Harry is tending to some Oscorp business in Europe. But in reality, Harry is infected by the Symbiote Venom during his treatment, although he doesn't become aware of what that means until much later.
Why The Avengers Aren't In Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 doesn't seem to address where the Avengers are, but an explanation has already been given through a surprising avenue.Once his Oshtoran Syndrome appears to be in remission, Harry surprises Peter and MJ as they're cleaning out Aunt May's house. He invites Peter to go on a bike ride for old time's sake. Harry encourages Peter to break into the school again, and leads him to his old locker. As it turns out, Harry has ulterior motives: he's spearheading a startup in their late mother figures' name, the Emily-May Foundation. He's hidden an ID lanyard in Peter's locker, and wants him on the board as co-founder. Their stated mission: to "heal the world," as Emily always encouraged her son to do.
Harry Discovers Peter's Secret Identity
Peter, Harry, and MJ head for Coney Island's amusement park in order to catch up. But the night of fun is interrupted when Kraven, one of many villains appearing in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, descends on the midway with his pack of hunters. Naturally, Peter dons his Spidey suit and starts doing damage control. But just as Spider-Man is about to lose his grip on a collapsing roller coaster, Harry steps in. He sprouts Symbiote limbs and holds it aloft, prompting Spider-Man to blurt out, "Harry?"
At this moment, Harry realizes that Peter is Spider-Man, and Peter realizes that Harry has Symbiote powers of his own. They debrief later in an ominous scene: Harry's thrilled at this new knowledge, and believes the two can use their powers together to heal the world.
Peter Is Infected By The Symbiote
Peter and Harry soon learn that Kraven has kidnapped Dr. Connors, and they rush to rescue him. But just as they arrive, Kraven forces Dr. Connors to transform into his supervillain alter-ego, The Lizard. Peter is badly hurt in the fight, but Harry's Symbiote steps in at the last second and infects Peter. Now more present, Dr. Connors reveals the true nature of Harry's treatment, and cautions Peter to get rid of it as soon as possible. But fully integrated with the Symbiote, Peter refuses. It takes Miles, fresh off his arc of forgiveness for Martin Li, to convince Peter to do the right thing.
Harry Overcomes Venom, But Is Badly Injured
At the climax of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Peter and Miles make for Oscorp HQ in order to cure Peter of the Symbiote. However, Harry beats them there, and attempts to stop them. Not only is the Symbiote his cure, but Venom's also been in his ear. Harry and Venom want to infect the entire world with Symbiotes, which Venom has convinced him will help "heal the world."
But Peter continues to resist Venom's influence, eventually converting his parasite into the Symbiote-killing Anti-Venom. Meanwhile, having narrowly dodged Symbiote infection herself, MJ tries to find the meteorite that Venom first came to Earth in. If Venom gets his hands on it first, he can use it to make himself more powerful. But MJ beats him there, destroying the meteorite in EMF's particle accelerator. In a brief moment of lucidity, Harry shines through. He asks Peter to kill Venom and end their ordeal. Peter does as he asks, but Harry is badly injured in the process.
Harry Is In A Coma At The End Of Marvel's Spider-Man 2
The Green Goblin is teased for a sequel to Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Harry doesn't die, but his ordeal with Venom leaves him in a coma at the end of Marvel's Spider-Man 2. In one of the game's final scenes, Norman visits his son in the hospital. He mourns Harry's state, and curses the Spider-Men for having "ruined" his son. He makes an urgent phone call to an unknown party, calling for the preparation of something called the G-serum.
While the nature of this substance isn't totally clear, it's similar to past Spider-Man stories that have seen Norman transformed into the Green Goblin. It's impossible to say for sure whether the G-serum is intended for Norman or Harry, but one thing is clear: this scene implies the Green Goblin will appear in the next Insomniac Spider-Man game.
Harry's exact fate is left up to interpretation, but it appears he's still alive. Norman certainly seems optimistic about his recovery, for better or worse. Either way, the final scenes of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 seem to suggest that Harry Osborn will reappear in an upcoming sequel.
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Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Released:
- 2023-10-20
- Developer(s):
- Insomniac Games
- Franchise:
- Spider-Man, Insomniac's Marvel Universe
- Genre(s):
- Adventure, Action
- Platform(s):
- PlayStation 5
- Publisher(s):
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Engine:
- Insomniac Engine v. 4.0
- Prequel(s):
- Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Marvel's Spider-Man
