In a recent interview, Andrew Garfield forcefully shut down speculation that he and Tobey Maguire would reprise their roles as Spider-Men in the upcoming MCU blockbuster Avengers: Doomsday. When asked whether he’d make a comeback, Garfield responded in no uncertain terms: “No, unequivocally, f—ing no!”
His outright refusal draws a definitive line under fan hopes of a Spider-Man reunion in the next phase of Marvel’s universe. Below, we unpack Garfield’s answer, what it means for Doomsday, and how Marvel might steer its future without him.
Context: Multiverse Hopes and MCU’s Big Ambitions
The hype surrounding Avengers: Doomsday is already sky-high. Set to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026, the film aims to bring together a massive ensemble drawn from the MCU’s past, X-Men legacy characters, and Marvel newcomers.
Fans have long speculated that Garfield and Maguire’s Spider-Men might return in some cameo or surprise role—especially after Spider-Man: No Way Home used the multiverse device to bring them together. Garfield had previously expressed openness to revisiting Spider-Man, albeit on his own terms: “I would love to play the character again … it would have to be very weird.”
But with Doomsday formally assembling so many Marvel threads, some viewers hoped that the door could open after all.
Garfield’s Staunch Refusal: What He Actually Said
A Clear-cut Rejection
During a recent interview, a fan asked Garfield: “Will Tobey and Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Men be in Avengers: Doomsday as well?”
His answer was short and sharp:
“No, unequivocally, f—ing no!”
That choice of words leaves little room for ambiguity.
Past Statements and Changing Tone
Only a few months ago, Garfield had hinted at a possible return—but with caveats: the role would need to be “very weird, very offbeat, and surprising.”
Now, however, he’s drawing a firm line. There’s no wiggle room, no hints of negotiations, and no suggestion of conditional appearances.
Why the Sudden Shift?
Creative Control and Identity
Garfield’s previous openness came with conditions. His insistence on a role that’s “weird” suggests he doesn’t want to just reprise Spider-Man for nostalgia. He wants a fresh spin. Now, by refusing outright, he may be protecting his creative identity and distancing himself from strictly legacy roles.
Brand Strategy and MCU’s Direction
From Marvel’s perspective, the stakes are high. Avengers: Doomsday already features a staggering roster—from Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and a new Captain America (Anthony Mackie) to X-Men legends like Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Rebecca Romijn.
Introducing Garfield or Maguire might overcomplicate narrative focus, fan expectations, or canon continuity. Marvel may prefer to lean into its own current cast and build momentum without relying on past iterations.
Logistical and Contractual Realities
Even if Garfield had wanted to return, there could be behind-the-scenes constraints—contracts, schedule conflicts, or narrative limits that made such a comeback impractical. His emphatic refusal might reflect discussions that never got off the ground.
What This Means for Avengers: Doomsday
Spider-Man’s Place in the MCU
Garfield’s decision means the next chapter of Spider-Man in the MCU likely stays with Tom Holland and whatever direction Marvel charts forward. Whether Doomsday will nod at multiversal anomalies or alternate Spider-Men remains uncertain, but Garfield is clearly off the table.
Focus Shifts to Other Legacy Characters
With Spider-Man ruled out, attention turns to the dozens of returning or debuting characters slated for Doomsday. Actors from past X-Men films, including Alan Cumming and Rebecca Romijn, have already indicated involvement.
Even Mark Ruffalo, the Hulk actor known for accidentally spoiling plot twists, joked that Marvel excluded him to prevent leaks.
This signals that Marvel is intensely managing secrecy—maybe even reshuffling cast surprises.
Expert Insight: The Bigger Picture
Garfield’s refusal is more than a “no”—it’s a strategic decision. It suggests he isn’t comfortable revisiting a role unless it aligns precisely with his artistic vision. At the same time, Marvel’s refusal to make exceptions indicates a desire to control narrative stakes without overrelying on nostalgia.
This pattern isn’t new: superhero franchises often wrestle with balancing legacy fan service and forward momentum. Garfield’s blunt disengagement leans toward prioritizing fresh storytelling over wink-and-nudge callbacks.
Conclusion & Takeaway
Andrew Garfield’s emphatic “No, unequivocally, f—ing no!” on returning to Avengers: Doomsday closes the book on fan hopes for his Spider-Man reappearance in that film. While he had previously left the door open—under very particular terms—his latest response suggests he’s walking away from nostalgia politics.
For Marvel, the mission continues: assembling a cosmic, multiversal cast, pushing forward with new arcs and faces, and refusing to lean too heavily on what has come before. Garfield’s refusal only sharpens that focus.
Primary takeaway: Garfield isn’t coming back—not now, not for Doomsday. And in doing so, he emphasizes that legacy roles don’t always deserve lifetime passes.
