Will Andrew Garfield Return as Spider-Man? What It Would Take for His Comeback

When Andrew Garfield reprised his role as Spider-Man in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, fans were ecstatic. After all, his portrayal of Peter Parker had garnered a loyal following, despite his previous Amazing Spider-Man films receiving mixed responses. Now, years later, the burning question remains: Will Garfield don the iconic red and blue suit again?

In a candid interview with Esquire, Garfield made it clear that he’s open to returning. But, there’s a catch it has to be for the right reasons. The actor shared that he would only consider coming back if the project offered something “unique” and “additive to the culture.” But what does this mean? And what would a potential return look like?

Let’s dive into Garfield’s perspective, the impact of his portrayal, and the potential for his Spider-Man to swing back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man Journey: From Iconic Debut to Abrupt End

Garfield first swung into the role of Peter Parker in 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man, rebooting the beloved franchise with a fresh take. While his portrayal of the web-slinger was widely praised, his tenure was unexpectedly cut short after the underperformance of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in 2014.

For Garfield, the abrupt end to his Spider-Man journey left him feeling “dangling.” The film’s lacklustre box office performance forced Sony to reconsider the future of the character, ultimately leading to their collaboration with Disney and the introduction of Tom Holland as the MCU’s Spider-Man.

But fans weren’t ready to say goodbye to Garfield’s version of the character. And neither was he.

The Return in Spider-Man: No Way Home: A Vindication for Garfield’s Spider-Man

In 2021, the world witnessed the cinematic event of a lifetime: Spider-Man: No Way Home. The film brought together three generations of Spider-Men, uniting Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire, and Andrew Garfield on the big screen. For many, this was a dream come true.

Garfield admitted that he had doubts about returning. In his Esquire interview, he said, “I thought Tobey [Maguire] is not going to want to do that.” Yet, the stars aligned, and what could have been a disaster turned into one of the most joyous experiences of Garfield’s career.

The film became a massive hit, grossing nearly $2 billion worldwide. For Garfield, this was a moment of redemption. Fans celebrated his portrayal, with many even calling for his return in future films.

The Conditions for Garfield’s Return: What Would It Take?

So, will Garfield return as Spider-Man? He’s not ruling it out. However, he’s made it clear that he won’t return just for the sake of it. During the Esquire interview, Garfield said, “I would 100% come back if it was the right thing, if it’s additive to the culture, if there’s a great concept or something that hasn’t been done before that’s unique and odd and exciting.”

What does this mean for the future of Garfield’s Spider-Man? Let’s break it down.

1. Uniqueness: Garfield wants the story to bring something new to the table. He’s not interested in rehashing old ideas or following a formulaic approach. For him, any potential return must explore fresh territory and challenge the conventions of superhero storytelling.
2. Cultural Impact: The project needs to resonate with audiences on a deeper level. It has to contribute to the ongoing cultural conversation, offering more than just action-packed sequences or flashy effects. Garfield is looking for substance.
3. Excitement Factor: The script has to be compelling. Garfield wants a role that excites him, one he can “sink his teeth into.” He’s not interested in playing it safe; he wants something that’s thrilling, unpredictable, and deeply engaging.

The Future of Garfield’s Spider-Man: Will He Return in the MCU?

While there’s no official confirmation that Garfield will return as Spider-Man, the door remains open. Many fans speculate that Garfield’s version of Peter Parker could appear in future MCU projects, particularly Avengers: Secret Wars, which is rumoured to bring together characters from across the multiverse.

In fact, Secret Wars would be the perfect opportunity for Garfield to step back into the role. Given the film’s likely focus on the multiverse, there’s potential for Garfield’s Spider-Man to meet new characters, both inside and outside the MCU. This kind of crossover event would undoubtedly fulfil Garfield’s criteria for a “unique” and “additive” project.

Moreover, rumours are swirling that Secret Wars could serve as a soft reboot of the MCU, merging different timelines and universes. If that’s the case, Garfield’s Spider-Man could play a key role in shaping the future of the franchise.

Why Fans Are Still Rooting for Garfield’s Return

Garfield’s portrayal of Spider-Man struck a chord with audiences. He brought a vulnerability and rawness to the role that set him apart from other iterations of the character. His Peter Parker was not only relatable but also deeply emotional, grappling with the weight of responsibility and personal loss.

For many fans, The Amazing Spider-Man series didn’t get the closure it deserved. Garfield’s performance was never the problem; it was the direction and writing of the films that left much to be desired. No Way Home provided a form of closure, but for some, it wasn’t enough.

The demand for The Amazing Spider-Man 3 is still strong. While it’s unlikely that Sony will greenlight the project, the overwhelming support from fans shows just how beloved Garfield’s Spider-Man truly is. And with the multiverse now a central theme in the MCU, anything is possible.

The Role of Spider-Man in Garfield’s Career: A Legacy That Will Last

Garfield has acknowledged that his role as Spider-Man will always be a defining part of his career. In his own words, it will be “the top line of my obituary.” And while he’s gone on to star in critically acclaimed films and earn multiple award nominations, Spider-Man remains a role that brings him joy.

“It brings joy,” Garfield told Esquire. “If part of what I bring is joy, then I’m joyful in return.”

This sentiment encapsulates Garfield’s relationship with the character. He’s not driven by ego or a desire for fame; he’s driven by the impact that Spider-Man has on people. If his return can continue to bring that joy, then he’s open to the possibility.

Final Thoughts: Will We See Garfield’s Spider-Man Again?

While nothing is set in stone, the possibility of Garfield’s return to the Spider-Man universe is very much alive. He’s made it clear that he’s willing to come back if the right project comes along. Whether that’s in a multiverse crossover like Secret Wars or another unexpected twist, only time will tell.

One thing is certain: Garfield’s Spider-Man has left an indelible mark on fans and the superhero genre. And whether he swings back onto the big screen or not, his portrayal will always be remembered as one of the most emotionally resonant takes on the beloved character.

For now, fans can only wait and hope that the stars align once more, bringing Garfield’s Spider-Man back into action.