The Future of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Various actors from different Spider-Man franchises have discussed the possibility of returning to the series following the success of Spider-Man: No Way Home. It's intriguing to hear their thoughts on coming back and what it would take for them to do so. There is definitely a lot of affection for the Spider-Man franchise among the actors.

Currently, only the MCU's Spider-Man 4 is confirmed to be in the works, with minimal information on casting besides Tom Holland. However, there have been ongoing rumors about potential projects like a revival of Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 4 with Tobey Maguire or the long-awaited The Amazing Spider-Man 3 with Andrew Garfield. There's also speculation about appearances in future multiversal adventures like the MCU's upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars. Here's a look at what some of the key Spider-Man actors have shared about their potential return to the franchise.

What Sam Raimi Spider-Man Actors Have Said About Returning

tobey maguire swinging through new york as spider-man in 2004 - What Sam Raimi Spider-Man Actors Have Said About Returning

Tobey Maguire: "How Do We Make It More Exciting?"

After facing difficulties with Raimi and Sony Pictures, Spider-Man 4 was unfortunately scrapped despite being in the development phase. There were talks of John Malovich portraying the Vulture, while Anne Hathaway was being considered for a significant role, possibly as the Black Cat. Fans have been vocal about their desire to see Spider-Man 4 revived, especially after Tobey Maguire's return in the MCU in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Tobey Maguire's young Peter Parker in Spider-Man suit - Tobey Maguire: "How Do We Make It More Exciting?"

Just before Spider-Man 4 got the axe, Tobey Maguire shared his thoughts on the film and the discussions he had with Sam Raimi on how to make it more thrilling than the previous ones. This old interview resurfaced on Twitter in December 2023. Although Tobey Maguire hasn't said much about teaming up with Sam Raimi again, there are strong rumors and hopes that he will appear in Avengers: Secret Wars, similar to his role in No Way Home (possibly alongside Hugh Jackman as Wolverine).

Kirsten Dunst Has Said She Would Return

Kirsten Dunst in Spider-Man - Kirsten Dunst Has Said She Would Return

Thomas Hayden Church Has Heard Rumors

Actor Thomas Hayden Church has recently commented on rumors surrounding his potential return to the Spider-Man franchise. The actor revealed that he has heard rumors about a possible comeback, but he did not confirm or deny anything. It remains unclear whether Church has had any discussions with Sony about reprising his role in the franchise.

Spider-Man 3 Flint Marko as Sandman - Thomas Hayden Church Has Heard Rumors

Thomas Hayden Church, who played Sandman in Spider-Man 3, returned to the MCU in No Way Home. In a recent interview with Comicbook.com in March 2024, Church mentioned hearing rumors about discussions happening for Raimi's Spider-Man 4.

I believe Sam is planning to make another Spider-Man movie with Tobey Maguire. They had offered me the chance to return for Spiderman 4 in the past, which would be amazing if it happens.

It is uncertain whether these rumors are just from articles and internet gossip or if there is something more concrete behind them. Nevertheless, the prospect of seeing Church's portrayal of Sandman again is definitely thrilling.

Willem Dafoe Has Conditions For A Green Goblin Return

Norman Osborn's Green Goblin in an alley in Spider-Man No Way Home - Willem Dafoe Has Conditions For A Green Goblin Return

Willem Dafoe has expressed interest in reprising his role as the Green Goblin. In an interview with Inverse in March 2023, he mentioned that he enjoyed playing the character in both the past Spider-Man movies. He stated that if the conditions were right, he would be open to returning for future projects.

What The Amazing Spider-Man Actors Have Said About Returning

Dafoe has expressed the desire for his role in No Way Home to be meaningful and impactful, emphasizing the importance of substance and a strong physical presence. This criteria would also be essential for any potential future appearances as the Green Goblin.

A split image of Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man and black spider-man suit - What The Amazing Spider-Man Actors Have Said About Returning

The Amazing Spider-Man 3, much like other spin-off projects, was already in development before Sony Pictures made the decision to collaborate with Marvel Studios for a new Spider-Man in the MCU. Unfortunately, this shift meant that Andrew Garfield's storyline as Peter Parker was left unresolved. As he mourned the loss of Gwen Stacy, new villains were emerging to challenge him, potentially leading to the formation of the Sinister Six.

Andrew Garfield Has Said There's Still Potential For His Peter Parker

Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) invents Spider-Man's webbing and web-shooter - Andrew Garfield Has Said There's Still Potential For His Peter Parker

Despite some reservations about reprising his role in the costume at his age, Andrew Garfield has expressed his fondness for the character and his belief in the possibility of continuing Peter Parker's unfinished story. In the book Spider-Man: No Way Home – The Art of the Movie released in 2023, Garfield shared his thoughts on the matter:

"The story of Peter Parker never truly ends. Even if we don't film it, there is a narrative unfolding in some universe. The potential for this character and other versions of him is limitless. So, he is definitely out there somewhere, engaged in new adventures."

Emma Stone Didn't Know Gwen Stacy Was Considered For No Way Home

It would be really exciting to see Garfield's Spider-Man have his story told on the big screen. Many fans hope that Sony's Spider-Man Universe, including characters like Venom, Morbius, and Kraven, will be connected to the Amazing Spider-Man universe.

Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy covering her mouth in The Amazing Spider-Man - Emma Stone Didn't Know Gwen Stacy Was Considered For No Way Home

Emma Stone was surprised to learn that Marvel Studios didn't bring back Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man: No Way Home. The decision was made because the movie already had a huge cast. Fans were disappointed as they wanted Emma Stone to return as the beloved Spider-Gwen variant. Emma Stone was informed of this news by Comicbook.com on the red carpet of her recent movie Poor Things in December 2023.

"I've never heard that before. Wow, that's amazing. This is a big moment for me. Thank you for sharing that. So, everyone wants that to happen? Everyone in the world?"

Given her surprised and excited reaction, fans would be thrilled if Stone agrees to come back to the Spider-Man franchise, possibly portraying Spider-Gwen since the original character met her demise in The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

What MCU Spider-Man Actors Have Said About Returning

Tom Holland's Spider-Man in front of an image of the MCU Multiverse from Loki - What MCU Spider-Man Actors Have Said About Returning

Tom Holland Says Conversations About Spider-Man 4 Are Happening

Reports confirm that the MCU's Spider-Man 4 is currently in development. There have been rumors swirling around about Marvel and Sony disagreeing on whether the movie should have a more grounded plot or another multiversal adventure. Despite this, no casting details have been disclosed yet, except for the expectation that Tom Holland will reprise his role as Peter Parker in the upcoming film.

Tom Holland as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) - Tom Holland Says Conversations About Spider-Man 4 Are Happening

In an interview with Deadline back in November 2023, Holland spoke about the potential for Spider-Man 4 and the conversations that have been happening:

Tom Holland mentioned that discussions are ongoing about a potential fourth movie featuring his character. He emphasized the importance of doing justice to Spider-Man, expressing his protective feelings towards the iconic superhero. Holland feels fortunate to have been part of a franchise that improved with each installment, stressing the need to preserve Spider-Man's legacy by not rushing into another movie without a compelling reason.

The dedication shown by Holland towards Spider-Man bodes well for the quality of a possible Spider-Man 4. Fans can look forward to a continuation of the webslinger's story that is engaging and worthwhile, building on the success of previous films featuring Holland's portrayal of the beloved Marvel character.

Will Zendaya and Jacob Batalon Return For Spider-Man 4?

Spider-Man_ No Way Home Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon - Will Zendaya and Jacob Batalon Return For Spider-Man 4?

It is currently uncertain whether Zendaya or Jacob Batalon will reprise their roles as Mary Jane and Ned in Spider-Man 4, especially after the events of No Way Home where Peter Parker was forgotten by the world, including his loved ones. Zendaya has not made any significant comments about Spider-Man 4 yet. Batalon mentioned in a 2022 interview with Collider that he and others would be willing to return to the Spider-Man franchise under the right circumstances, although he did not express a strong desire for it: "We're open to the idea, but we're not hoping for it."

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an intriguing glimpse into the potential return of beloved Spider-Man actors to the iconic franchise. The comments from Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland suggest a genuine affection for the characters they portrayed and a willingness to revisit them under the right circumstances. The possibility of seeing these actors reprise their roles in future films, particularly in the context of multiversal adventures, is undoubtedly exciting for fans.

However, it's important to acknowledge the challenges and uncertainties that surround these potential returns. The ongoing negotiations between Marvel and Sony, as well as the actors' own schedules and commitments, may ultimately determine whether these plans come to fruition. Nonetheless, the article serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of the Spider-Man franchise and the anticipation among fans for more compelling stories featuring these iconic characters.