Tom Holland isn't hanging his web shooters for now. After "Spider-Man: No Way Home," many believed Holland might leave the iconic role that catapulted him to superstardom. The 2021 blockbuster was a franchise peak but seemed also to set Holland up for a graceful exit. But, as it turns out, the charming actor is not done with the rooftops of New York City just yet.
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Holland shared that he was first hesitant about taking on what many consider the saga of the beloved superhero. He did, however, warn of the notorious fourth-film curse in franchises, expressing much anxiety that the expected level set by the prequels might not be reached. "There's a bit of a stigma about the fourth one in all franchises," commented Holland. "I kinda feel like we hit a home run with our first franchise, and there's part of me that wants to walk away with my head held high and pass the baton to the next lucky kid that gets to bring this character to life."
And if Holland had hesitated, he seems not to have been. Rather, he leaped at the chance to be involved further in its creation. He has been one constant voice at development meetings during No Way Home, with many notes and different ideas in tow.
This dedication was again showcased in one of his most recent interviews that he had given to Deadline, during which he said, "I'll always want to do Spider-Man films. I owe my life and career to Spider-Man. So the simple answer is yes, I'll always want to do more."
Holland doesn't rule out sharing a frame with another Spider-Man ahead. But, of course, the puzzles are still there to be figured out before we can see his spider webs again. "We have the best in the business working toward whatever the story might be, but until we've cracked it, we have a legacy to protect," he said. The third film was so successful, and so critically lauded, and it reached such a level of cultural significance that the bar is really high, and everybody's determined to do right by the legacy of the franchise.
Holland is particularly thrilled by his role in shaping the next chapter of Spider-Man's story, marking a first in his career. "This is the first time in this process that I've been a part of the creative so early on. It's just a process where I'm watching and learning. It's just a really fun stage for me," he said. This spoke credence to the fact that even if the particulars about Spider-Man 4 are up in the air, there is greater enthusiasm and commitment toward quality and innovation than ever before.
With Holland putting his efforts both in front and behind the camera, fans will certainly be all too excited for yet another thrilling chapter of the web-slinging superhero. Though the details of his next appearance are under firm wraps, one thing does seem fairly clear: the MCU Spider-Man has many outings left and he is not ready to say goodbye, and neither are we.
