Andrew Garfield Opens Up About Emotional Spider-Man Return in 'No Way Home'

Andrew Garfield is willing to return to the role of Spider-Man under certain conditions.

In an Esquire cover story published Wednesday, the We Live in Time star pondered on his surprising appearance as Peter Parker in the 2021 film Spider-Man: No Way Home, co-starring original Spider-Man Tobey Maguire and current Spider-Man Tom Holland.

Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012).

Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

After Sony shelved The Amazing Spider-Man 3 due to disappointing performance for the second film starring Garfield and Emma Stone, the actor's place in the franchise was "left dangling." However, when invited to return as the superhero in Spider-Man: No Way Home, which explores the multiverse, Garfield agreed and found the experience "really healing," especially given the scrutiny he experienced following his casting as Spider-Man during his stay.

Garfield stated that he would return as Peter Parker if he felt it was the right thing, added to the culture, or offered a unique and exciting concept.

The Oscar contender complimented the web-slinging superhero as one he adores, saying, "I love that character, and it brings joy. If part of what I contribute is joy, then I am happy in return."

Spider-Man: No Way Home grossed about $2 billion upon its release in December 2021. Despite the fact that it was unknown whether there would be a fourth edition, Holland told The Hollywood Reporter in June 2023 that he and the producers had recently met to discuss a potential fourth picture. "The first several sessions focused on, 'Why would we do this again?' And I believe we figured out why," Holland added.

THR has exclusively reported that Destin Daniel Cretton is in talks to direct Spider-Man 4, in which Holland will return. The script will be written by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, with Marvel's Kevin Feige and former Sony CEO Amy Pascal producing.

Garfield's comments come as his latest picture, We Live in Time, alongside Florence Pugh, prepares for release. This is the actor's first lead role in two years.

"I believe I'm delighted to work again in a different capacity. I feel looser, less precious. I feel happier. I feel more conscious. Garfield told THR, "I feel established enough as a person in the world, as an actor within myself and within the world." "I now have a better understanding of myself, which leads to increased enjoyment... I'm still a headcase — when I'm on set, I'm like a dog with a bone, taken over by some strange spirit that is never content — but that's never going to change, and I don't want it to, but within that, I can feel a lot more pleasure, happiness, play, and freedom."