Will Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man Ever Return to the MCU? Only if it’s “Additive” to the Character.

Andrew Garfield recently opened up about his potential return as Spider-Man, but he emphasized it would only happen under one condition—if it truly adds to the character’s canon. Speaking to People, Garfield stressed that he wouldn’t want to return unless the story was “additive” and brought something new and worthwhile to the beloved superhero.

Garfield, who famously played Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man films, has long been candid about his love for the character and his sense of duty towards fans. In his latest comments, he hinted that he’d only be interested in revisiting the character if it offered a fresh perspective or meaningful evolution to Peter Parker’s story arc.

Garfield stated, “I wouldn’t play Spider-Man again unless it felt unique, surprising, and joyful. It has to add something new.” He emphasized the importance of not repeating past successes, adding that any return must be worthwhile and bring fresh elements to Peter Parker’s journey. Garfield also expressed pride in his work on No Way Home, acknowledging the positive fan reception and leaving the door open for a future return if the right conditions are met.

A New Standard for Superhero Returns

In an era where many franchises are revisiting old characters and timelines for nostalgia’s sake, Garfield seems to be setting a higher bar for a return. Rather than merely rehashing his previous role, the actor wants to be sure that Peter Parker’s journey is evolving—that the character is growing in a way that fans haven’t yet seen. This insistence on authenticity could set the stage for a more deliberate and impactful return, should it ever happen.

Fans have expressed a lot of interest in seeing Garfield back in the Spider-suit, especially after the heartwarming response to his role in No Way Home. Garfield’s take, however, suggests that he’s not interested in playing it safe or sticking to fan service—he wants substance.

Could Garfield Return in ‘Secret Wars’?

One of the biggest questions circling the potential return of Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man is whether he could make an appearance in the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars. The Secret Wars storyline is one of the most ambitious Marvel comic arcs, featuring numerous characters from across the multiverse coming together for a reality-bending battle. Given Garfield’s recent appearance in No Way Home, which embraced the multiverse concept, his return in Secret Wars seems like a logical next step.

Marvel’s Secret Wars, both the original 1984 series and the 2015 iteration, heavily focused on different versions of iconic characters interacting in complex ways. In particular, Spider-Man played a significant role in the original comic arc, acquiring his famous black symbiote suit for the first time—a storyline that has since become pivotal to the Spider-Man mythos. While Tom Holland’s Spider-Man has yet to encounter the symbiote in the MCU, Secret Wars could provide a perfect avenue for Garfield’s Peter Parker to play a crucial role, potentially even interacting with the symbiote himself, adding a fresh layer to his character.

If Garfield were to appear in Secret Wars, it could fulfill his desire for a storyline that is “additive” and transformative for the character. The themes of sacrifice, multiversal convergence, and facing the unknown align with Garfield’s more mature portrayal of Peter Parker, especially after the events of No Way Home. This could provide an opportunity for his Spider-Man to explore a deeper, more complex narrative—one that might even see him acting as a mentor or ally to the other Spider-Men, contributing significantly to the overall plot.

As of now, nothing has been confirmed, but the multiverse’s continued expansion makes it more likely than ever that we could see Garfield back in the red and blue suit. Fans can only hope that Marvel takes the opportunity to bring him into the fold in a way that honors his character’s evolution and adds something substantial to Spider-Man’s legacy. The story would need to transcend nostalgia and contribute meaningfully to Spider-Man’s world, making it a genuine continuation of Garfield’s beloved take on Peter Parker.

The Three Movie Spider-Men

The live-action Spider-Man films have seen three different actors take on the role of Peter Parker:

• Tobey Maguire: The original Spider-Man, who starred in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy (2002-2007). Maguire’s Peter Parker is characterized by his earnestness and iconic early 2000s charm.
• Andrew Garfield: Garfield took over in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and its sequel (2014), bringing a more modern, emotionally complex take on Peter.
• Tom Holland: Currently portraying Spider-Man in the MCU, Holland’s version is younger, more connected to the larger Marvel world, and deeply rooted in the modern high school experience.

Each version of Spider-Man has its own distinct storyline and challenges. Maguire’s Spider-Man contended with classic villains like the Green Goblin and Doc Ock while navigating his love for Mary Jane. Garfield’s Peter Parker faced a darker narrative, losing Gwen Stacy, and struggling with the weight of responsibility. Holland’s Spider-Man, meanwhile, has tackled cosmic threats, growing pains, and even multiversal crossovers, making his journey the most intertwined with other superheroes.

Sources:

• Backstage – Andrew Garfield Looks Back on His Peter Parker Process
• Hat tip to ComicBookMovie for initial coverage
• ComicBookMovie – Andrew Garfield Says Spider-Man Return Will Only Happen If It’s Additive