The ending of Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to mutate more theories about the MCU, particularly regarding Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon).
Since the release of the Marvel movie last month, speculation has only intensified about what comes next for Peter Parker’s closest allies. While the latest installment reunites Tom Holland’s Spider-Man with Ned, the character remains far removed from his comic book counterpart’s eventual Hobgoblin transformation. Now, Batalon has weighed in on that possibility himself, revealing what he believes would need to happen before his character could realistically take such a dramatic turn.
On the latest episode of ScreenRant’s Coffee Chats hosted by Liam Crowley, Batalon was asked about longstanding fan theories that Ned could eventually become the MCU’s version of Hobgoblin. While acknowledging that previous live-action takes on Harry Osborn’s descent into villainy “felt rushed,” the actor explained that the MCU version of Ned would require a “gradual” evolution and elaborated that “there’s really nothing throughout the first three movies, or this movie, that really signifies that kind of turn.”
“I think, like you were just saying, a lot of it felt rushed, but it was still played really well by both of them. But I would say there’s really nothing throughout the first three movies, or this movie, that really signifies that kind of turn.
It would have to be gradual, for sure. There’d have to be real life-changing events for him to want to change who he is, because he’s really just a nice and loving, caring person. It’d be really hard for him to just turn on a heel like that. It’d be an interesting storyline to pursue and to watch him turn into that, but it would take a lot. I would say, perhaps, a lot of brainwashing by a third party.”
When Crowley pointed out that many audiences overlook the fact that Hobgoblin’s comic book story involves brainwashing, Batalon agreed: “Exactly. And they weren’t really friends in the comics, right? They’re kind of rivals at the Daily Bugle, and all that stuff. I read some comics once… That was the only time.”
Batalon points out one of the biggest challenges Marvel Studios would face if it ever pursued a Hobgoblin storyline. Unlike the comics, where Ned and Peter Parker share a very different relationship, the MCU has spent years establishing their loyalty and emotional anchor. Abruptly turning him into a villain without significant development would likely undermine that foundation.
Fortunately, Spider-Man: Brand New Day doesn’t force that transformation. Instead, the movie continues exploring Peter and Ned’s erased friendship while planting subtle threads that could eventually support a more complicated future if Marvel chooses to go in that direction. Batalon’s emphasis on “life-changing events” and outside manipulation suggests he understands that any version of Hobgoblin would need to feel like a tragedy rather than a sudden heel turn.
The timing is also notable following Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s historic box-office opening, which has cemented the latest installment as one of Marvel’s biggest theatrical successes in years. The movie is packed with callbacks and Easter eggs, while also expanding Peter’s corner of the MCU in ways that leave plenty of room for future stories.
At the end of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Peter decides to re-establish his friendship with Ned. While the handshake and his friend’s reaction have sparked theories that his memories are returning after the spell, it looks like any chance of a Hobgoblin turn is far from being set up.
Whether Ned ever becomes Hobgoblin remains entirely speculative, and Marvel Studios has announced no such plans. However, Batalon’s comments make it clear that he’s acknowledged the possibility and believes the character’s transformation would need to prioritize emotional storytelling over comic book accuracy alone.
Meanwhile, neither Sony nor Marvel Studios have greenlit Spider-Man 5 or addressed when either character will return to the MCU. However, producers like Kevin Feige are hopeful for a sequel, as cast members like Holland and Zendaya take a break. Hence, it’s only a matter of time before the next live-action Spider-Man movie is out, and perhaps Ned could have a juicier arc in the future.
- Release Date
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July 31, 2026
- Runtime
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145 Minutes
- Producers
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Amy Pascal, Kevin Feige, Rachel O’Connor, Avi Arad