Jon Watts Changed Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s ‘Spider-Man’ Returns in ‘No Way Home’ Because of Reddit Sleuths

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Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland aren’t the only ones with Spidey senses. 

In an interview at the Mediterranean Film Festival with Collider, director Jon Watts shared that fans were already guessing that both Spider-Man actors would be featured in the third movie starring Tom Holland before its late 2021 release. Watts admitted that he had to adjust how Maguire and Garfield joined the story because a Reddit user accurately predicted his initial plan.

Previously, there were whispers about Tobey and Andrew possibly appearing in the film while it was being made. As we wrote the script and planned where to introduce the characters, it seemed like Peter would be grieving Aunt May’s death, and then the portals would open, revealing not one but two Spider-Men.

Upon investigating discussions on a forum, Watts observed a fan-created artwork strikingly similar to the upcoming scene in “No Way Home“, which appeared to depict both Maguire and Garfield.

I found myself scrolling through Reddit, checking out fan art depicting the anticipated encounter between the two Spider-Men, titled ‘This is likely how it’ll unfold when they both appear.’ The scene was set on a rooftop, with an emotional twist as two Doctor Strange portals were open, revealing two Spider-Men stepping out. I thought to myself, ‘That’s just too predictable. If that’s what everyone expects us to do, we definitely can’t go down that path.’

Later on, they decided to introduce Maguire and Garfield’s versions of Spider-Man into Ned’s (performed by Jacob Batalon) grandmother’s house. Watts mentioned that this was intentionally done to create a surprising moment for the fans, as these two former Spider-Man actors were brought in.

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Later, they chose to incorporate Maguire and Garfield’s portrayals of Spider-Man into Ned’s (Jacob Batalon’s role) grandmother’s house. Watts revealed that they did this strategically to offer fans an unexpected treat.

Both versions convey the same meaning, but the second one may be slightly more concise and easier to read.

After viewing numerous fan art pieces, he realized they couldn’t simply follow the expected path. Instead, he pondered, ‘What would surprise everyone? What hasn’t been depicted in fan art on Reddit?’ He mused, ‘Perhaps an unexpected encounter of the two Spider-Men at Ned’s Filipino grandmother’s house in Queens. I doubt anyone has imagined that scene.’ This idea fit perfectly with the narrative as it marked a departure from Peter’s storyline.

In a rooftop encounter, the Spider-Men portrayed by Maguire and Garfield intersected with Holland’s Spider-Man during his mourning period for Aunt May. Screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers shared with The Hollywood Reporter that these former franchise leads had innovative suggestions that significantly improved their respective evolving Spider-Man personas.

Their thoughts were fascinating and beneficial, according to Sommers. Meanwhile, McKenna pointed out that these two played a pivotal role in helping Peter Parker (played by Holland) navigate a crucial, moral dilemma at the end of the movie. A significant portion of this resolution stemmed from ideas and character development suggested by Tobey and Andrew.

As a die-hard Spidey fan, I’m thrilled to share that the fourth installment in Holland’s Spider-Man series, titled “Spider-Man: A New Leaf,” is being helmed by the talented Destin Daniel Cretton, fresh from his success with “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” Although specifics about the project have been tightly guarded, it’s heartening to know that McKenna and Sommers are back on board to pen the screenplay.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day will hit theaters next summer on July 31, 2026.

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2025-07-02 03:54