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Tom Holland’s Spider-Man Replacement Under Fire, Controversial Comments Go Viral

As Marvel fans eagerly await any fresh details on the much-anticipated fourth Spider-Man movie within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a new controversy has set the fandom alight.

Andrew Garfield, Tobey Maguire and Tom Holland as Peter Parker hugging
Credit: Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures

Since his MCU debut in Captain America: Civil War (2016), Tom Holland’s take on Spider-Man has become a central figure in the franchise. His solo trilogy—Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and the record-breaking Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)—offered a refreshing perspective on Peter Parker’s evolution, balancing high school life with world-altering battles.

However, it was No Way Home that truly redefined the web-slinger’s cinematic journey, thrusting Spider-Man into the Multiverse and reintroducing iconic villains while uniting Holland with Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. The film grossed nearly $2 billion worldwide, cementing itself as one of the highest-grossing films in history.

While the MCU has faced box office struggles since No Way Home, the release of Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman has reignited excitement. The film became Disney’s second billion-dollar success of the year, following Pixar’s Inside Out 2 (2024). Meanwhile, Moana 2 (2024), which debuted late last year, surpassed the $1 billion mark in early 2025.

Spider-Man in his red suit and Zendaya as MJ looking anxiously to their side, standing on a building with a cityscape behind them.
Credit: Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures

Despite the massive triumph of No Way Home, movement on Spider-Man 4 has been sluggish. Holland previously revealed that development stalled due to the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, but in July 2024, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige reassured fans that production was back on track. Later in 2024, Holland confirmed that filming for Spider-Man 4 would kick off in the summer, with Marvel eyeing a July 2026 release—just two months after Avengers: Doomsday (2026).

But Tom Holland hasn’t always been the only actor to don the mask in Marvel projects.

Back in 2021, Marvel Animation introduced What If…?, a Disney+ animated series that reimagined pivotal MCU moments. While several actors reprised their roles, some—including Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson—did not. Hudson Thames stepped in to voice Peter Parker/Spider-Man in place of Holland.

A cartoon depiction of Spider-Man in 'Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man'
Credit: Marvel Studios

Marvel Studios has since confirmed that Thames will return to voice the character in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (formerly Spider-Man: Freshman Year). His reprisal was officially announced at D23 Expo during Marvel Animation’s panel.

Marvel executive Brad Winderbaum previously shared that the series unfolds in an alternate timeline where Norman Osborn (voiced by Colman Domingo) serves as Peter Parker’s mentor instead of Tony Stark. This unique shift propels Peter into an entirely new trajectory, setting up an array of never-before-seen Marvel encounters.

Joining Hudson Thames and Colman Domingo in the cast are Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, Eugene Byrd as Lonnie Lincoln, Grace Song as Nico Minoru, Hugh Dancy as Otto Octavius, Kari Wahlgren as May Parker, Zeno Robinson as Harry Osborn, and Paul F. Tompkins as Bentley Whittman.

The animated cast of 'Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man'
Credit: Marvel Studios

The show’s ten-episode run is set to be completed within just four weeks, promising a fast-paced release schedule. However, recent comments from its lead voice actor have ignited backlash, with some calling for Marvel to cut ties with him.

During an interview with Collider, Thames was asked about the show’s direction, and his response quickly sparked controversy.

“I thought it was awesome. I mean, my biggest fear was that it was gonna be annoying and woke, and it wasn’t, and I was like, ‘Yes, this is great, it’s so well written,’ like it feels real,” Thames said. “I’m the oldest of five boys, so I feel like I kind of know what’s happening in their lives and in high school, and it felt like it was doing that justice.”

Peter Parker meeting Norman Osborn
Credit: Marvel Studios

The term “woke” has become a divisive buzzword in modern discourse, often used in a negative context when discussing media that prioritizes diversity and inclusion. Social media swiftly reacted, with some fans urging Marvel to recast Thames. @Spidey_pte tweeted:

“My campaign for Josh Keaton to replace Hudson Thames as the show’s new Spider-Man voice actor starts NOW #Keaton4FNSM”

Echoing that sentiment, @FandomCrunch posted:

“You know #YourFriendlyNeighborhoodSpiderMan was pretty freaking good, but you know Hudson Thames had to make a stupid comment that’s already sinking the show. Which btw the show in his terms is pretty ‘woke.’ Recast the pathetic man’s voice get someone who is worthy to continue the voice of Spider-Man.”

Tom Holland as Spider-Man
Credit: Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures

Amidst the uproar, showrunner Jeff Tramell took to Reddit to address the situation, though the controversy doesn’t appear to be dying down anytime soon.

“Ha, I love Hudson and didn’t focus too much on what he said,” Tramell wrote. “I believe he simply misspoke, and I know that’s been weighing on him. I think we made a fantastic show that is going to appeal to a wide audience and hopefully captures what I love about this Spider-Man: that he’s a guy who cares deeply about the people around him and always tries to do the right thing.”

As of now, Hudson Thames has not issued any further statement. The first two episodes of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man premiered on January 29, with three more scheduled for release on February 5 and 12. The final two episodes will debut on February 19.

Marvel and Sony's three Spider-Man
Credit: Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures

Beyond Holland’s portrayal, Spider-Man has seen numerous live-action and animated adaptations. Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy (2002–2007) set the gold standard for superhero cinema, with Tobey Maguire leading the charge, while Andrew Garfield’s The Amazing Spider-Man films (2012, 2014) offered a more emotionally driven perspective.

Both Maguire and Garfield’s return in No Way Home thrilled fans, bridging the gap between different Spider-Man universes. Meanwhile, Sony’s animated masterpiece Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) introduced audiences to Miles Morales, a breakout favorite whose story continued in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023), with Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse currently in development.

Spider-Man Noir lowering down from the sky
Credit: Sony Pictures

Adding to the web of Spider-Man adaptations, Nicolas Cage is set to reprise his role as Spider-Man Noir in a live-action series for MGM+ and Amazon Prime. “Expanding the Marvel Universe with Noir is a uniquely special opportunity,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios. “The extremely talented Nicolas Cage is an ideal choice for our new superhero.”

What do you think of Hudson Thames’ comments? Let us know in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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