Tom Holland‘s recent comments on who the next Spider-Man could be have raised eyebrows. While recasting Peter Parker might make sense on paper, there are better alternatives.
Speaking with Esquire, Holland was asked about the future of his role as Spider-Man. Holland has made it no secret that he sees his days as the web-slinging hero getting shorter as he stars in more movies. When asked about who might replace him, Holland was quick to name-drop one actor.
“Owen Cooper would be awesome,” Holland said. “Obviously, he’s super-talented and the talk of the town right now,” while the outlet also noted the actor said the opportunity could be a “great springboard” for a fresh face.
Cooper, who starred in the Netflix miniseries Adolescence, is an up-and-coming star who said in 2025 that he’d love to play Spider-Man in the future. Holland also said he’d love to be able to help mentor whoever replaces him, similar to how Robert Downey Jr. helped him as a young actor.
While the idea of Cooper stepping into the MCU as Spider-Man is interesting, it would be a misstep for Marvel Studios.
A new Peter Parker might not be the best way to go in the MCU
For one, going back immediately to a younger version of Parker after spending an entire decade building up and showcasing the rise and growth of Parker in the MCU would not only be an odd thing to do from a story perspective, but would also throw fans right back into the same era of Parker’s on-screen life that we’ve already seen.
The smarter move, should Marvel Studios choose to do it, would be pivoting away from Peter Parker as a whole. Holland has teased the possible inclusion of the likes of Miles Morales or Gwen Stacy as the new Spider-Man. This might not be the most popular option, but giving fans a look at a different character, especially Miles in this case, would let us experience new stories and moments without constantly rehashing the same story of Peter Parker that we all know.
Outside of Miles, there is another option as well. Instead of showcasing a younger Peter Parker again, Marvel Studios could turn to some of its older Spider-Man veterans. Bringing back Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield to star in future Spider-Man movies would not only be a huge move in terms of exciting fans, but would also allow them to adapt some of the best stories about Spider-Man in the comics, which often feature an older Peter Parker in his adult life.
Of course, all of that remains a ways away from coming to fruition. A lot could change between now and then. It’s still worth noting, though, that Holland seems to have his eyes on his post-Spidey career, which means we’ll know who the next Spider-Man will be sooner rather than later.
Originally reported by Anthony Nash for SuperHeroHype.
