Emma Stone first portrayed Gwen Stacy in 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man, returning to the role in the 2014 sequel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Despite initial plans for additional films, including Sinister Six and a Venom spin-off set in the same universe, Sony Pictures decided to discontinue the franchise after the second movie‘s underperformance. This effectively ended the storyline, which had intended to resurrect Gwen Stacy, along with characters like Norman Osborn and her father, Captain George Stacy, in a third installment that never came to be.
Tom Holland Takes Over Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Following the shelving of the original Spider-Man series, the character of Peter Parker was integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tom Holland assumed the role, beginning with Captain America: Civil War. This shift marked a significant change for Spider-Man’s cinematic journey, disconnecting from the earlier Sony-led narratives and placing him at the center of the MCU’s interconnected storylines.
Andrew Garfield’s Secret Return in Spider-Man: No Way Home
Years later, Andrew Garfield reprised his Spider-Man role unexpectedly in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, reuniting on screen with former Spider-Man star Tobey Maguire. Despite mounting rumors and leaked photos suggesting his involvement, Garfield denied any participation for months. Emma Stone revealed in an interview with Josh Horowitz that she, too, was kept in the dark by Garfield. She recalled,
“I asked him if he was gonna be in that [movie] and he was like, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’”
followed by,
“I was like, ‘What?’ Oh, I guess that means no, but it wasn’t no, it was yes. Good for him. He kept it really close to the vest.”
Stone’s Reaction to No Way Home’s Emotional Scenes
When Horowitz mentioned a key scene involving Peter Parker’s relationship with Gwen Stacy in No Way Home, Stone admitted she had not yet seen the film. She said,
“I actually haven’t seen it, no. It would be very emotional, I’m sure. I’ve heard it was fantastic. I will see it eventually.”
Though four years have passed since the movie’s release, Stone appears to have largely moved on from the Marvel universe, especially since Gwen Stacy remains deceased in the current timeline of Peter #3’s reality.
The Question of Future Appearances and Industry Insider Insights
Though Garfield recently stated he would not be returning as Spider-Man in upcoming Avengers films, multiple sources suggest otherwise. Reliable insiders indicate that both Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire are expected to reprise their roles, with Maguire likely set to appear in Doomsday scheduled for December next year. This continued ambiguity fuels speculation about the future direction of the Spider-Man character and his multiple portrayals across franchises.
The Significance of Keeping the No Way Home Cameos a Secret
The secrecy surrounding Garfield’s involvement was remarkable, especially given the widespread leaks and rumors beforehand. The experience of watching all three Spider-Men together in No Way Home offered fans a unique, historic moment in superhero cinema. Stone shared her appreciation for the project, reflecting on the personal connections she made, saying,
“I really loved doing ‘Spider-Man.’ I loved everybody I worked with. I met Andrew [Garfield] there. I met Sally Field. Marc Webb was wonderful. It was a really special time in my life. That’s a recurring theme: The people more than the film itself is what sticks with me for so long. I only have fond memories of this experience.”
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Spider-Man Legacy
Emma Stone’s revelations clarify the carefully guarded nature of Andrew Garfield’s involvement in No Way Home, highlighting his commitment to preserving the surprise for fans. As the Marvel and Sony Spider-Man narratives continue to evolve, the likelihood of Garfield’s return in future films, including potential Avengers projects, remains high despite his public denials. For audiences, the enduring appeal of these varied Spider-Man portrayals promises continued excitement and complexity in the web of stories to come.
