Peter Parker’s (Tom Holland) origin story as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe may have ended in Spider-Man: Home Trilogy, but his journey is far from over. The Friendly Neighborhood superhero will return in a yet-to-be-titled Spider-Man 4. Though it remains to be seen if it includes his best friend Ned Leeds after Peter asks Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to wipe out everyone’s memory of him, the character’s actor Jacob Batalon gives an update on his MCU future.
In an interview with ComicBook during the press junket for his new movie, Tarot, Batalon admitted that he had no idea if Ned would return to the MCU and be part of Spider-Man 4. Despite that, he remains hopeful that he will get a chance to reprise his role.
“I honestly don’t know. I don't know what any future holds for any of them in that world,” he said. “I just feel like if things happen, they happen. I hope so. I definitely hope so.”
The 2021 Spider-Man: No Way Home ended with Peter asking Doctor Strange to cast a spell that would make the whole world forget him to prevent the dangerous villains from attacking the multiverse. However, this came with huge repercussions. Peter was forced to give up the life he was accustomed to.
Everyone, even his fellow Avengers members, forgot him, including the love of his life, MJ (Zendaya), and his best friend, Ned. Peter is left alone, with no friends to talk to or an ally to turn to. Though he has the option to communicate with other Avengers in case of need, he opts not to use it.
“It's sad that he has no friends anymore,” Batalon added.
Will Ned Leeds become Hobglobin in Spider-Man?
Batalon gained international recognition after playing Ned in five MCU movies. He first appeared in the 2017 Spider-Man: Homecoming and made cameos in the 2018 Avengers: Infinity War and the 2019 Avengers: Endgame. He then reprised his role in the 2019 Spider-Man: Far From Home and No Way Home.
As his last Spider-Man movie showed him being able to operate Doctor Strange’s sling ring and open portals on his own, it might have set the stage for him to become a sorcerer. If this happens, Ned will veer away from his character’s story in the comics, where he turns to the dark side and becomes the villainous Hobglobin.
No Way Home’s concept art revealed that the movie had a scene where he went aboard Norman Osborn’s glider, giving a nod to his character’s future. So, would fans see Ned as a villain next?
“Who knows?” Batalon teased. “Maybe. Hopefully.”
Details about Spider-Man 4 have remained under lock and key. However, there are theories that Peter may try to reconnect with MJ and Ned. There are also claims that it will focus on Peter as he goes solo and starts his evolution as a superhero. And as the post-credit scene features Venom’s symbiote making its way to the MCU, it may give the fourth movie a chance to adapt parts of the comics’ stories.
