Spider-Man: No Way Homestar,Jacob Batalonis currently uncertain about his character’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Batalon plays Ned Leeds in the MCU’sSpider-Mantrilogy, the long-time best friend of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker. However, following the events ofNo Way Home, it is currently uncertain whether Ned will appear again in the MCU, and Jacob Batalon is as unsure as the fan base. Speaking toComicBook.comto promote his upcoming movie,Tarot, Jacob Batalon was asked about his future in the MCU. The actor was direct and honest in his answer.
“I honestly don’t know. I don’t know what any future holds for any of them in that world. I just feel like if things happen, they happen. I hope so. I definitely hope so.”
The ending ofSpider-Man: No Way Homesaw the world forget about Peter Parker’s existence, including his best friends Ned and MJ (Zendaya). In the final scene, Peter Parker walks into a coffee shop where MJ works, with Ned sitting at the counter. Peter tries to re-introduce himself to the pair and rekindle their friendship, but ultimately decides against it. In a film filled with jaw-dropping scenes and tons of fan service (including the return ofTobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s respective versionsofSpider-Man), the solemn scene was devastatingly emotional.
It seems the scene hit Jacob Batalon as hard as it did audiences, as the actor closed his answer by saying, “it’s sad that he has no friends anymore.”
Jacob Batalon has made five appearances in the MCU as Ned Leeds, starting in 2017 withSpider-Man: Homecoming, and culminating withNo Way Homein 2021. As well as appearing in all threeSpider-Manfilms, Ned also briefly appeared inAvengers: Infinity WarandAvengers: Endgame.
Tom Holland Will Return as Spider-Man… Eventually
Spider-Man 3 / Spider-Man: No Way Home
While Jacob Batalon and Zendaya’s MCU futures are uncertain, Tom Holland’stenure as Spider-Man is still ongoing. The actor recently confirmed that work has begun on his fourthSpider-Manfilm. Speaking toDeadlineat the Sands International Film Festival, Holland confirmed that the project is underway.
“We have the best in the business working toward whatever the story might be. But until we’ve cracked it, we have a legacy to protect. The third movie was so special in so many ways that we need to make sure we do the things right.”
“Like I said, everyone wants it to happen. But we want to ensure we’re not overdoing somethings.”
Alfred Molina Proudly Reflects on Spider-Man Legacy: Doctor Octopus ‘Completely Changed My Life’
Alfred Molina looks back on his career and fondly recounts taking up the mantle of Spider-Man’s multi-armed villain, Doctor Octopus.
Tom Holland quickly became a fan favorite as Spider-Man within the MCU, perfectly balancing the awkward nature of Peter Parker, with the quipping action of Spider-Man - helped by the actor’s own gymnastic ability. Tom Holland has also publicly declared thathe loves playing Spider-Manas much as the fans love watching him on screen.
“I’ll always want to do Spider-Man films. I owe my life and career to Spider-Man. So the simple answer is yes. I’ll always want to do more.”
Jacob Batalon’s new movie,Tarot, hits theaters on May 3. The horror/comedy follows a group of friends who break the sacred rule of Tarot card readings (never use someone else’s deck), and unleash an unspeakable evil into to the world.
