Vigilante's Spider-Man Meme Moment Becomes 2025's Comedy Gold
James Gunn's chaotic antihero delivers an unexpectedly heartwarming multiverse encounter that has fans calling it the year's funniest scene.
The return of James Gunn's most unpredictable character has given audiences what many are calling the funniest moment on television this year. Adrian Chase, better known as Vigilante, has evolved far beyond his comic book origins as a Daredevil-inspired vigilante into something entirely different – a chaotic, asexual antihero who serves as DC's twisted take on Marvel's merc with a mouth.
This latest season dives headfirst into multiverse storytelling, allowing characters to encounter different versions of themselves from alternate realities. The magic happens when our familiar Adrian Chase stumbles upon his alternate self in his own secret basement hideout.
The Meme That Broke the Internet
What follows is pure comedic brilliance. Both versions of the character spot each other simultaneously, point excitedly, and shout in unison: "We Spider-Man-memed!" The reference to the iconic pointing Spider-Man meme is both absurd and surprisingly touching, especially since it confirms that Marvel's web-slinger exists as fiction within DC's universe.
The scene works on multiple levels – it's ridiculous enough to catch viewers off guard, yet wholesome in its childlike enthusiasm. Freddie Stroma's performance brings an infectious sense of wonder that transforms what could have been a throwaway gag into something genuinely endearing.
From Replacement to Fan Favorite
Stroma's journey to embodying this role wasn't straightforward. He stepped in after Chris Conrad departed due to creative disagreements, requiring extensive reshoots to capture the character's unique energy. The actor brings a distinctive blend of innocence and chaos that makes even the character's most questionable moments – like his admitted Google searches for "Taylor Swift sexy butt" – somehow charming rather than creepy.
The performance showcases Stroma's ability to find humor in the character's complete lack of social awareness while maintaining an oddly pure heart beneath all the mayhem. This balance has transformed Vigilante from a supporting player into one of the show's most beloved elements.