Spider-Man Representation in Tom Holland’s Trilogy Movie Posters: A Semiotic Analysis

Authors

  • Chaden Nirvanda Hana Ludji Department of English Literature, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Universitas of Mahasaraswati Denpasar, Indonesia
  • Desak Putu Eka Pratiwi Department of English Literature, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Universitas of Mahasaraswati Denpasar, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v14i2.12090

Keywords:

Movie Posters; Representation; Semiotics; Spider-Man; Verbal and Non-Verbal Signs

Abstract

Movie posters function not only as promotional media but also as visual texts that communicate meanings through verbal and visual signs. Previous studies have mainly focused on individual movie posters, leaving limited discussion of how Spider-Man’s identity develops across the official posters of Tom Holland’s trilogy. This study aims to analyze how verbal and visual signs construct the representation of Spider-Man in the official movie posters of Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). The study employs a qualitative descriptive method using Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory, focusing on denotation and connotation. Three official posters were selected through purposive sampling because they represent the complete trilogy, allowing Spider-Man’s development to be examined across the three films. The analysis examines textual and visual elements, including movie titles, characters, colors, composition, costumes, facial expressions, and backgrounds. The findings reveal that these elements construct Spider-Man’s evolving identity throughout the trilogy. Homecoming represents Spider-Man as a young hero balancing teenage life and superhero responsibilities. Far From Home portrays his transition toward greater independence and broader responsibilities, while No Way Home depicts a more mature superhero facing complex conflicts, personal sacrifice, and greater challenges. The study concludes that movie posters function as semiotic texts that reflect the development of Spider-Man’s identity through visual and verbal representations across an entire trilogy.

References

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Published

2026-10-31

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Chaden Nirvanda Hana Ludji, Desak Putu Eka Pratiwi

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