Sony/Disney
Alfred Molina, known for playing Doctor Octopus in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man movies, is swapping mechanical tentacles for the real thing – now, he’s playing an actual octopus in a new Netflix movie.
Molina first played the iconic villain Otto Octavius in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 all the way back in 2004, where his performance quickly cemented him as one of the most memorable antagonists in superhero movie history.
It’s why there was so much excitement about his return in the MCU’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, joining the likes of Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin, Jamie Foxx’s Electro, and Thomas Haden Church’s Sandman, alongside the returning Spider-Men by Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield.
Molina isn’t reprising his role as Doc Ock, and there’s no new multiversal adventure to speak of – but he is stepping into a role that’s rather fitting.
Doctor Octopus actor playing an octopus in new Netflix movie
The actor is voicing Marcellus, a highly intelligent octopus, in Remarkably Bright Creatures. The new movie is based on Shelby Van Pelt’s 2022 debut novel of the same name, which centers on an unlikely friendship between a grieving widow and a Giant Pacific octopus.
Mrs. Doubtfire star Sally Field is playing said widow, Tova, while Thunderbolts actor Lewis Pullman is taking on the role of Cameron, who’s described as a “wayward musician”.
The synopsis is as follows: “Based on the bestselling phenomenon by Shelby Van Pelt comes the story of Tova, a widow who forms an unlikely friendship with the curmudgeonly Marcellus – a giant pacific octopus that lives at the aquarium where she works.
“Unbeknownst to Tova, Marcellus is on a mission to solve a mystery that will heal the widow’s heart and lead her to a life-changing discovery.”
Netflix
The new Netflix movie is set to drop on May 8, but until then, fans are noting the hilarious coincidence of Molina playing the octopus after his turn as Doc Ock.
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“I just realised Alfred Molina is voicing an octopus,” wrote one, while another said, “Cannot believe Alfred Molina is once again playing an octopus.” A third quipped, “Alfred Molina? An octopus? Typecasting.”
A third added, “If I had a nickel for every time Alfred Molina played an Octopus themed character I’d have TWO nickels… which isn’t a lot but it’s weird it happened twice.”
While you wait for Remarkably Bright Creatures to drop, check out the new movies coming to streaming this month and everything coming up with our 2026 movies release calendar.
