Andrew Garfield says he still believes a future Spider-Man could be portrayed as gay, standing by a suggestion he first raised more than a decade ago, according to NME and Variety.
Old Comments Resurface During New Film Promotion
Garfield made the remarks in an interview published Monday with Entertainment Weekly while promoting his new historical drama, “The Uprising.” Though the conversation was meant to focus on the film, his years-old comments about Spider-Man’s sexuality became the center of attention, according to the Daily Caller.
The actor first floated the idea in a 2013 interview with the same outlet while promoting “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” recalling a conversation with producer Matt Tolmach about gender-swapping the character Mary Jane. He questioned at the time why Peter Parker’s sexuality could not be part of the story, and even suggested actor Michael B. Jordan as a possible love interest.
“An Exercise in Rebellion”
Asked whether his stance had changed, Garfield told Entertainment Weekly it had not, describing his original comments as an exercise in rebellion he felt passionate about, according to NME.
He said the mask is central to what makes Spider-Man such a widely loved character, arguing that it obscures identifying traits and allows anyone to see themselves in the role. He added that he likes the idea of a space where everyone feels included.
A Recurring Theme in His Career
Garfield has revisited the topic publicly several times since 2013. He told The Independent in 2021 that he felt pressured to apologize for the original remarks, saying he was essentially asked to reassure audiences uncomfortable with the idea, according to PinkNews.
Garfield played Spider-Man in two films before departing the role, then returned in 2021 as part of a multiverse team-up alongside Tom Holland and Tobey Maguire. He is expected to reprise the role again in the upcoming “Avengers: Secret Wars.”
No Confirmed Plans From Sony
Despite Garfield’s repeated comments, Sony Pictures has not indicated any plans to depict a gay version of the character in its live-action Spider-Man films, which have consistently portrayed Peter Parker as straight. Garfield has acknowledged in past interviews that the decision is not his to make.
“The Uprising,” the film Garfield was promoting when the topic resurfaced, is set for release in UK cinemas on October 9.
