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Andrew Garfield’s return as Spider-Man hinges on unique storytelling
A potential return to the web-slinger
Andrew Garfield, the two-time Oscar nominee, recently shared insights with Esquire magazine about the possibility of reprising his role as Spider-Man. Garfield, who first donned the Spidey suit in 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man, emphasized that any return would need to be “unique” and “additive to the culture.”
The abrupt end of an era
Garfield’s tenure as Peter Parker was unexpectedly cut short after the underwhelming performance of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in 2014. This box office disappointment led Sony to collaborate with Disney, allowing Spider-Man to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This partnership paved the way for Tom Holland’s portrayal of the iconic superhero.
The multiverse magic of “No Way Home”
The 2021 blockbuster Spider-Man: No Way Home became a cultural phenomenon, grossing $1.9 billion worldwide. The film brought together three generations of Spider-Men: Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield, and Tobey Maguire, who starred in Sam Raimi’s original trilogy. Garfield expressed his initial doubts about Maguire’s participation, saying, “I thought Tobey is not going to want to do that. He’ll act every 10 years much to my chagrin, and I’ve shared that to him.”
However, the collaboration turned out to be a joyous experience for Garfield. “When I heard that he was kind of leaning in, I thought it was either going to be the greatest thing in the world or the worst thing in the world. I am so grateful because it was the most joyful thing ever. All the pressure was on Tom,” he admitted.
A vindication for Garfield’s Spider-Man
The success of “No Way Home” was seen as a redemption for Garfield’s Spider-Man, and it reignited fan interest in his version of the character. Garfield remains open to returning, provided the project offers something fresh and meaningful. “For sure, 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 and that you can sink your teeth into,” he told Esquire. “I love that character, and it brings joy. If part of what I bring is joy, then I’m joyful in return.”
The legacy of Spider-Man
Garfield acknowledges the lasting impact of his role as Spider-Man, recognizing that it will be “the top line of my obituary.” Despite the challenges and abrupt end to his initial run, he remains passionate about the character and its cultural significance.
Upcoming projects
While fans eagerly await any news of Garfield’s potential return to the Spider-Verse, the actor continues to explore diverse roles. He is set to star opposite Florence Pugh in the A24 romance drama We Live in Time, hitting theaters on October 11.
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