Summary
New Marvel Studios copyright listings reveal that Spider-Man: Freshman Year may have cast Hudson Thames as Peter Parker in the MCU's upcoming animated show.
Spider-Man: Freshman Year presents an alternate reality within the MCU, featuring reimagined versions of familiar characters such as Norman Osborn and Doctor Octopus. This unique approach delves into Spider-Man's formative years, providing a fresh perspective.
By existing as a standalone series, Spider-Man: Freshman Year has the freedom to delve into new narratives and character growth, all the while maintaining independence from the overarching MCU storyline.
Tom Holland's Peter Parker in the MCU Spider-Man spinoff Spider-Man: Freshman Year will be replaced by a new actor. The animated series will delve into Peter Parker's early years as a hero, but with some significant changes. Copyright listings for upcoming Phase 5 shows in the MCU reveal additional information about their plot, release dates, and cast. Hudson Thames has been cast as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Freshman Year, taking over from Tom Holland. Thames had previously voiced Spider-Man in episode 5 of What If...? and is expected to join the voice cast for the MCU's Marvel Zombies as well. The details can be found below:
While this update provides valuable information about Spider-Man: Freshman Year and other upcoming MCU projects, nothing is set in stone until the actors' strike is officially over and Marvel Studios announces the official cast for each movie and show. Until then, all new information available online should be treated as unconfirmed. It's also important to note that Hudson Thames has been cast as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Freshman Year, but this does not mean that Tom Holland won't return as the MCU's live-action Spider-Man in future big-screen Spider-Man sequels.
Is Spider-Man Freshman Year MCU Canon?
Spider-Man: Freshman Year, although it focuses on Peter Parker's high school years after gaining his powers, is not a canon prequel to the Spider-Man journey portrayed by Tom Holland in the MCU. The animated series introduces new versions of characters and diverges from the main continuity of the MCU. Instead, it offers a fresh perspective on Spider-Man's early years with a new supporting cast, excluding characters like Ned Leeds and MJ while introducing allies like Nico Minoru and Amadeus Cho.
However, Spider-Man: Freshman Year does share certain similarities with the MCU. Norman Osborn replaces Tony Stark as a significant figure who launches Spider-Man's superhero career, and Charlie Cox reprises his role as Daredevil from the live-action series. There may also be similarities in plot points and characters, suggesting that Spider-Man: Freshman Year exists as another universe within the MCU's multiverse.
Because Spider-Man: Freshman Year is a self-contained series, it is unlikely that the events in the show will have any impact on the larger storyline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This refreshing approach allows future seasons to incorporate bold deviations from Tom Holland's MCU appearances. The show provides an opportunity for characters who haven't had much screen time or a chance to shine in the MCU to be developed freely. Additionally, voice actors like Hudson Thames can bring their own unique interpretations to their characters without affecting the main continuity of the MCU.