The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is no stranger to bold casting ideas, but Bella Ramsey’s recent statement at an HBO Emmys nominees event in Hollywood has sent shockwaves through fandoms worldwide. The 21-year-old star of The Last of Us expressed an ambitious desire to take on the role of Spider-Man, currently portrayed by Tom Holland. “Tom Holland has done a great job, but I think I’d do better if they made a new movie for me,” Ramsey told Variety, sparking a mix of excitement, debate, and online frenzy among fans of the web-slinging superhero. Their comment, delivered with a blend of humor and sincerity, has ignited discussions about the future of Spider-Man in the MCU and the potential for a fresh take on the iconic character.
Ramsey, known for their powerful performances as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones and Ellie in The Last of Us, is no newcomer to commanding attention. Their rise to prominence has been marked by a unique ability to embody complex, resilient characters, earning them critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. At the HBO event, Ramsey was asked about joining the MCU alongside their The Last of Us co-star Pedro Pascal, who recently took on the role of Reed Richards in Fantastic Four: First Steps. Their response was both playful and provocative, suggesting they could step into Spider-Man’s suit or perhaps inspire the creation of an entirely new superhero tailored to their talents. “I could be Spider-Man,” Ramsey said, before adding, “Maybe they do need to make a new [superhero] for me.” This statement has fueled speculation about their potential fit in the ever-expanding MCU.
The idea of Ramsey as Spider-Man has divided fans. On one hand, supporters see their interest as a bold and inclusive step forward for the franchise. Social media platforms like X have buzzed with posts praising Ramsey’s versatility and emotional depth, with some fans suggesting they could portray a multiverse variant of Spider-Man, inspired by projects like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. “Bella as a Spider-Person would be incredible,” one user posted, highlighting the potential for a non-traditional take on the character. Others, however, have pushed back, with some expressing skepticism about Ramsey’s fit for the role, citing Tom Holland’s established portrayal as Peter Parker. Comments on X, such as “Bella’s great, but Spider-Man is Tom’s,” reflect the loyalty many fans feel toward Holland, who has played the character in six MCU films, including the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Ramsey’s interest in Spider-Man comes with a surprising admission: they are relatively new to the superhero genre. They revealed to Variety that their first Marvel film experience was watching Andrew Garfield’s The Amazing Spider-Man just two to three months ago. “It was incredible. I loved it,” Ramsey said, showcasing their enthusiasm for the character despite their limited exposure to superhero cinema. This candid revelation has endeared them to some fans, who appreciate their fresh perspective, while others have questioned whether their inexperience with the genre makes their Spider-Man ambition premature. Nevertheless, Ramsey’s passion for the role has sparked curiosity about how they might reinterpret Peter Parker or a Spider-Man variant.
The timing of Ramsey’s statement aligns with broader discussions about the MCU’s future. With Holland’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day set to continue Peter Parker’s story, the franchise is also exploring multiverse narratives that allow for diverse iterations of familiar characters. Industry insiders have previously reported that Ramsey is being eyed for a “big” MCU role, with speculation pointing toward the X-Men reboot, possibly as Kitty Pryde. However, their public declaration for Spider-Man has shifted the conversation, with some suggesting they could play a gender-swapped or alternate-universe version of the hero, a concept not unfamiliar to fans of Spider-Verse animations.
Despite the excitement, Ramsey’s comments have not been without controversy. Their use of non-binary pronouns and candid discussion of their gender identity have drawn unwarranted criticism from some corners of the internet, with detractors focusing on irrelevant aspects like grammar rather than their acting credentials. Yet, Ramsey’s supporters argue that their authenticity and willingness to challenge norms make them a compelling candidate for a franchise that has increasingly embraced diversity.
As the MCU continues to evolve, Ramsey’s bold claim to the Spider-Man mantle has added a new layer of intrigue. Whether their vision comes to fruition as a new Spider-Man or a unique superhero creation, their statement has undeniably stirred the pot, leaving fans eager to see what the future holds for both Ramsey and the web-slinger’s legacy.
