Spider-Man is one of the most likable superheroes ever, as he stays true to his image of the friendly neighborhood spider through all the intergalactic adventures he now has. Peter Parker struggles with problems we all know: heartbreak, family stress and job hunting. He also doesn’t live in a crazy superhero neighborhood, but in an ordinary neighborhood. Sam Raimi succeeded in portraying this aspect of the character with his trilogy. We see Tobey Maguire trying to survive his high school life, and we guide him as he tries to make ends meet with odd jobs.
Today we brought you an Easter egg that is easy to overlook and that – admittedly – requires some initiative. The pizza delivery service that Peter works for in Spider-Man 2 is called Joe’s Pizza. When making deliveries, Peter wears a red helmet with the pizzeria’s logo and phone number on it. It is striking that the number on the helmet is fairly central to the photo. It literally invites you as a viewer to choose it yourself. If someone does, chances are they will succeed and someone will accept it.
The friendly neighborhood spider – for the neighborhood!
It might be easier for some New Yorkers than for us German viewers: Sam Raimi put a bit of free advertising in his film. “Joe’s Pizza is a true pizzeria in Greenwich Village, New York City. If you dial the number 212-366-1182, which is on Peter’s helmet, with the correct area code, you will call “Joe’s Pizza” directly. And it doesn’t hurt: the shop has been around for many years and is known in NYC for its pizza slices. So maybe an urgent recommendation from Sam Ramistop by when you are in New York. This way you have a good view of the mobile phone number at minute 03:34.
We think this humble Easter Egg is a perfect match for Peter Parker as a tangible character. It emphasizes the character’s authentic everyday world. It’s also a nice thought that Peter, as a friendly neighborhood spider, advertises a real neighborhood store for us viewers. Because it must also be significantly different from other ad placements. After all, no company has invested a lot of money in order to get prominent in a film. Raimi may have just incorporated the little pizzeria he loves.
Most of all, though, it must have been a funny moment for Joe’s Pizza regulars to see which number they love to call is so central to a superhero movie.