Tom Holland’s devoted fanbase is actively pushing for a groundbreaking shift in the Spider-Man franchise, advocating for Peter Parker to be given a male love interest in the highly anticipated Spider-Man 4.
Following the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021, speculation surrounding the character’s future has been rampant, particularly concerning his romantic life. The last installment left fans in emotional turmoil when Peter Parker made a selfless decision that erased his existence from the memories of those closest to him, including his beloved MJ, portrayed by Zendaya.
Although Peter encountered MJ after this event, he ultimately chose to remain anonymous for her own safety, leaving the door open for potential new developments in his love life. Recent reports suggest that Spider-Man 4 may introduce a fresh romantic arc for Peter, igniting widespread discussions among fans, many of whom are advocating for the possibility of a same-sex relationship.
The idea has gained significant traction on social media, with one fan’s straightforward yet impactful tweet, “Give him a boyfriend,” amassing over 200,000 likes in a short span of time. Another fan echoed the sentiment, emphasizing: “Give him a boyfriend.”
The enthusiasm surrounding the concept has sparked debates about Peter Parker’s character development and the potential for him to experience what many have called a ‘queer awakening.’ Numerous fans argue that the superhero’s story could benefit from a more inclusive approach, reflecting the diverse world in which these beloved characters exist.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the notion of a queer Spider-Man has been entertained. Andrew Garfield, who famously portrayed Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man series, has been a vocal advocate for the idea. In a 2013 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Garfield challenged the traditional mold of the character by asking: “What if MJ is a dude? Why can’t we discover that Peter is exploring his sexuality? It’s hardly even groundbreaking!… So why can’t he be gay? Why can’t he be into boys?”
Garfield’s comments have continued to resonate with fans over the years, especially as discussions surrounding LGBTQ+ representation in superhero films have become more prominent. One fan even referenced Garfield’s remarks, suggesting that his progressive stance may have contributed to the abrupt cancellation of his Spider-Man trilogy, stating: “Andrew tried to get his Peter a boyfriend, and I’m sure it’s one of the reasons he didn’t get to finish his trilogy.”
The idea of diversifying Peter Parker’s romantic interests has sparked even more creativity among fans, some of whom have proposed the introduction of a gender-swapped version of Gwen Stacy—playfully dubbed ‘Glen Stacy’—as a way to reimagine Peter’s love life in an unexpected and inclusive manner. Others have turned to the expansive Spider-Verse, pointing out that Marvel Comics has already introduced LGBTQ+ characters within the franchise, such as Web-Weaver, an openly gay Spider-Man variant. This has led to speculation that Web-Weaver could make an appearance in Spider-Man 4, possibly as Peter’s new romantic interest.
Despite all the fan theories, Marvel Studios has yet to confirm any details about Peter Parker’s next romantic arc. However, there has been strong speculation that Peter’s story will take a new turn, especially given that industry insider Daniel Richtman has hinted at Marvel’s plans to introduce a fresh love interest for Tom Holland’s iteration of the character. Richtman recently amplified the rumors by resharing a fan account’s claim on X (formerly Twitter) stating: “Spider-Man 4 will reportedly introduce a new love interest for Tom Holland’s Peter Parker.”
While the internet remains divided on the potential inclusion of a same-sex romance, another well-known industry insider, MyTimeToShineHello (MTTSH), sought to reassure longtime fans of the Peter-and-MJ love story. In response to the circulating rumors, MTTSH affirmed that Zendaya is still very much involved in the project, telling fans: “Zendaya is still in it so relax.”
As the anticipation for Spider-Man 4 continues to build, one thing is certain: fans are eager to see how Peter Parker’s story will unfold. Whether Marvel Studios chooses to introduce a male love interest or continue the traditional Peter-MJ dynamic, the passionate discussions surrounding the character’s evolution only highlight the franchise’s enduring impact on audiences worldwide.