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The future for Spider-Man is bright, especially after Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige confirmed that a fourth Spider-Man film with Tom Holland is currently in the works. Knowledge of this will ease any separation anxiety that fans may experience after the early success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, but Holland himself is looking toward a future of his own.
Holland filled the vacant mantel of Spider-Man in 2016 with his energetic appearance in Captain America: Civil War. However, his first standalone film, Spider-Man: Homecoming, was not released theatrically until 2017, which presented the character in a new light within the cinematic universe. The secret identity of Peter Parker was previously portrayed by Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, each bringing their own flair and personality to the beloved role. Spider-Man: No Way Home is Holland's third standalone appearance as the well-liked character, which he affectionately opened up about in a recent interview.
"I've loved every minute of it. I've been so grateful to Marvel and Sony for giving us the opportunity and keeping us on, and allowing our characters to progress. It's been amazing," stated Holland to PEOPLE. "And that's why for me, I don't want to say goodbye to Spider-Man — but I feel like we might be ready to say goodbye to Spider-Man." Holland's portrayal of the web-slinging hero has created some of the best memories for audiences to date. Audiences will fondly remember the collective sadness felt once his character's fate came to fruition in Avengers: Infinity War and the hurricane of excitement experienced when he emerged in Avengers: Endgame.
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"I would love to see a future of Spider-Man that's more diverse — maybe you have a Spider-Gwen or a Spider-Woman," Holland said. Audiences have recently seen different character variations through films such as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and video games such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Both platforms have delivered something different to audiences, highlighting depictions of the hero with contrasting genders and races from portrayals of the past. Holland spoke to this and stated, "We've had three Spider-Mans in a row; we've all been the same. It'd be nice to see something different." Miles Morales has been a long-debated rumor amongst fans, with many hoping that he will make his long-awaited MCU appearance. However, Holland's role as the iconic character seems relatively set in place, but for how long?
Holland has had an active career, starring in his standalone Spider-Man films and making appearances within other Marvel Studios projects. His new film, Uncharted, only adds to the mountain of commitments to his craft, which makes his desire to step aside understandable. "I've spent the last six years being so focused on my career," Holland discloses. "I want to take a break and focus on starting a family and figuring out what I want to do outside of this world." Holland's relationship with fellow co-star Zendaya is not a new revelation, but it's clear that Holland's personal life has taken a backseat to his other endeavors. The desire to give life the appropriate focus is one he deserves, especially if fatherhood is in the cards for future aspirations. "I love kids. I can't wait to be a dad — I can wait, and I will, but I can't wait," stated Holland, who made it clear that he would have probably pursued teaching if acting had not become his primary career path.
Audiences of all ages love Holland's unique take on Spider-Man. His charm and personable nature exude through the screen, which has made him such an endearing and relatable Peter Parker who audiences can gravitate toward naturally. The success of Spider-Man: No Way Home is an indication of that and paves the way for future developments of the symbolic character. For now, Holland looks to maintain his hold on the position, but who will fill the vacancy once he takes his eventual final bow?
Spider-Man: No Way Home is now playing in theaters.
Source: People