As excitement builds for Spider-Man 4, fans are buzzing about the possibility of Ned Leeds, played by Jacob Batalon, returning alongside Tom Holland’s Peter Parker and Zendaya’s MJ. Recently, Holland revealed that he and Zendaya read the new script together. This has ignited speculation about their characters’ future. However, Holland’s silence about Ned has raised eyebrows.
While Zendaya’s return seems almost confirmed, Jacob Batalon has been more ambiguous about his character. In No Way Home, Peter Parker faces significant challenges after a spell cast by Doctor Strange.
This spell causes everyone, including his close friends MJ and Ned, to forget who he is. This emotional climax leaves Peter feeling lonely and vulnerable as he sacrifices his relationships for the safety of his loved ones.
The events of No Way Home set the stage for potential storylines in Spider-Man 4, particularly regarding Ned’s future. Given that Ned was a crucial part of Peter’s support system, his return could explore themes of friendship and redemption. Some fans speculate that Ned might turn darker and become the Hobgoblin.
Jacob has expressed hope about returning for the fourth installment in interviews but noted that no official calls have come from Marvel yet. “I’m waiting for the call. I’m sure it’s coming, though,” he said.
This indicates that there’s still a possibility for his character to be included in the new film. His friendship with Holland could hint at some behind-the-scenes discussions, as he mentioned they’ve talked about where their characters could go next. This suggests that Marvel might still explore the friendship dynamic between Peter and Ned, especially since their bond has been a key element in the previous films.
Fan Speculation: Could Ned Become the Hobgoblin?
The idea of Ned becoming the Hobgoblin, a notorious villain from the Spider-Man comics, has gained traction among fans. In the comics, Ned Leeds is often manipulated and eventually becomes a version of the Hobgoblin.
Peter’s friends forgot about him due to a spell, creating a narrative opportunity for Ned’s character to undergo a transformation—either in his friendship with Peter or possibly as an adversary.
If Ned were to become Hobgoblin, it could lead to an interesting conflict in Spider-Man 4. However, some argue that introducing another Goblin character so soon after the Green Goblin’s role in No Way Home could feel redundant. Marvel may choose to explore different storylines to keep things fresh.
The importance of friendships in Spider-Man’s narrative is significant, especially regarding Ned’s fate. The emotional weight of Peter’s friendships, particularly his bond with Ned, is a vital component of his journey. The ending of No Way Home left Peter isolated from those he cares about most. If Ned returns, it could provide a rich opportunity to explore themes of friendship, loss, and redemption, connecting fans to the emotional core of the story.
As the production of Spider-Man 4 gears up, fans are eager for any news about Zendaya’s MJ and Batalon’s Ned. While Tom Holland’s comments have sparked excitement, the uncertainty around Ned’s character adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming film.
Whether as a friend or potential foe, Ned’s return could significantly impact Peter Parker’s journey in this new chapter of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, sparking excitement among fans.