Tom Holland fans are campaigning for Peter Parker to have a male love interest in the new Spider-Man movie.
Since the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021, speculation has been growing regarding the superhero’s future, particularly concerning his relationship with MJ, played by Zendaya.
The previous installment ended on a heartbreaking note, with Doctor Strange casting a spell that erased Peter from everyone’s memory – including MJ’s – in order to protect the multiverse.
Despite encountering MJ afterward, Peter chose to keep his identity hidden from her for her safety.
Recent reports have indicated the superhero may have a new romantic storyline in Spider-Man 4, sparking discussion among fans about the possibility of a same-s** relationship.
Discussions on social media gained momentum when one fan tweeted: “Give him a boyfriend,” a post that quickly garnered over 200,000 likes.
Another added: “The multiverse is open. Somewhere out there, Peter Parker has a boyfriend.”
Many users have expressed their enthusiasm for the idea of Peter undergoing a ‘queer awakening.’
This isn’t the first time the notion has been entertained.
In a 2013 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Andrew Garfield, who previously portrayed Peter Parker, shared his thoughts on the character’s potential to have a same-s** love interest.
He asked: “‘What if MJ is a dude?’ Why can’t we discover that Peter is exploring his s**uality? It’s hardly even groundbreaking!… So why can’t he be gay? Why can’t he be into boys?”
Referencing Garfield’s past comments, one fan remarked: “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.”
Another added: “The multiverse is open. Somewhere out there, Peter Parker has a boyfriend.”
Some fans even proposed a gender-swapped version of Gwen Stacy, suggesting the character could be introduced as ‘Glen Stacy.’
Although there has been no direct confirmation Tom Holland’s version of Peter Parker is queer, fans argue there is no reason why his character couldn’t explore a new side of himself in the upcoming film.
Marvel Comics has already introduced LGBTQ+ characters within the Spider-Verse, such as Web-Weaver, a gay Spider-Man variant.
This has led some to wonder whether Web-Weaver could appear in Spider-Man 4 as Peter’s new love interest.
Despite Zendaya’s return as MJ, many have speculated that Peter will be introduced to someone new.
According to industry insider Daniel Richtman, Marvel Studios plans to incorporate such a change as part of Peter’s fresh start following the events of No Way Home.
Richtman reposted 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.”
However, another industry insider, MyTimeToShineHello (MTTSH), reassured fans by responding to the rumor: “Zendaya is still in it so relax.”