Jacob Batalon smiling as Ned Leeds

Spider-Man: Jacob Batalon Addresses MCU Future, Possibly Becoming Hobgoblin

Spider-Man: Homecoming trilogy actor Jacob Batalon says he is unaware of what’s next for Ned Leeds in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“I honestly don’t know. I don’t know what any future holds for any of them in that world,” Batalon said to ComicBook.com while promoting his latest movie, Tarot. “I just feel like if things happen, they happen. I hope so. I definitely hope so. It’s sad that he has no friends anymore.”

Batalon refers to the dramatic conclusion of 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home where Peter Parker (Tom Holland) convinces Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) that he can close off the multiverse by casting a spell to make the world forget his existence. As a result, Peter’s best friend Leeds and girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) no longer have any memories of their time together. 

With the slate wiped clean for the in-development Spider-Man 4, Batalon was asked if the next installment could see Leeds make a dark turn into the Hobgoblin as early concept art for No Way Home featured the character riding Norman Osborn’s Goblin Glider.

“Who knows?” Batalon said. “Maybe. Hopefully.”

What’s happening with Spider-Man 4?

Sony and Marvel Studios have not officially announced a writer and director for Spider-Man 4. Tom Holland, however, has confirmed he will be back as the Wall Crawler and is actively involved in the creative process to crack Peter Parker’s next chapter

“We have the best in the business working toward whatever the story might be,” Holland said. “But until we’ve cracked it, we have a legacy to protect. The third movie was so special in so many ways that we need to make sure we do the right thing. This is the first time in this process that I’ve been part of the creative so early. It’s just a process where I’m watching and learning. It’s just a really fun stage for me. Like I said, everyone wants it to happen. But we want to make sure we’re not overdoing the same things.”

Sony and Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man 4 does not have a release date. Spider-Man: Homecoming and its sequels are now streaming on Disney+.

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