Spider-Man's role in Avengers: Secret Wars reportedly revealed; fans in shock

Avengers: Secret Wars is shaping up to be the biggest Marvel Cinematic Universe crossover to date. Expectations are at an all-time high for many variants of iconic heroes to come together and save the multiverse as a whole from Doctor Doom. Surprise appearances and cameos could come left and right, and established characters could make a heroic return. Of course, that also includes the likes of Tom Holland's Spider-Man.

We might be more than two years away from watching the highly-anticipated movie, but rumors about it have already started making their way online. This time, we have a very shocking report in the form of Spidey's potential role. Supposing it ends up being truthful, will Marvel be able to pull it off to fans' acclaim? Or could it be a controversial decision? Let's find it out as we break down all the recent MCU rumors!

Spider-Man could be a villain in Avengers: Secret Wars

According to insider Thaddeus Windsor, the friendly neighborhood hero won't be so friendly in Avengers: Secret Wars. In a shocking turn of events, Spider-Man could uncharacteristically end up being a villain. If that turns out to be the case, then it would be a tough pill to swallow. At a time when all of the biggest superheroes from different universes come together to save the day, it would be weird to watch the wall-crawler siding with the bad guys.

Another report by the same source claims Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield will be back in Avengers: Secret Wars in an attempt to save Tom Holland's Peter Parker. It sounds reminiscent of the scene in Spider-Man: No Way Home where Tobey prevents Tom from stabbing the Green Goblin with his glider, except this time things might be a little more dire. Now the question has to be asked: if Tom Holland's character truly turns into a villain, then why would it happen? What could possibly drive the wall-crawler to the point of being an antagonist? Well, I know what you're thinking, and that might be the correct answer.

The symbiote may be involved

Insider Marvel News has stated that the symbiote may be involved as early as Spider-Man 4. That could be a likely possibility, especially after the post-credits scene of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Remember how Tom Hardy's Venom mistakenly left a piece of the symbiote behind after a quick trip to the MCU courtesy of Doctor Strange's spell? Well, it seems such a build-up will finally pay off.

The first time Spider-Man wore the black suit in comic book pages was in Secret Wars #8 (1984). So it would be fitting for his current live-action counterpart to get ahold of it during a similar time. After all, it's been rumored that Spider-Man 4 could be released on February 16, 2026 - just a few months before Avengers: Doomsday releases and a potential Battleworld storyline kicks off on the big screen.

Going back to the multiversal arachnid crossover, it's worth noting that Tobey Maguire's Peter Parker was also overtaken by the symbiote in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 3. Surely, that experience will come in handy when attempting to save Tom Holland's Peter Parker from suffering the same fate as him. Furthermore, it would be the perfect chance for Andrew Garfield to finally fight an alien just like he's wanted for some time now.

All pieces could fall into place to allow a great adaptation of the symbiote arc on the big screen. With that in mind, would you like to see Tom Holland's Spider-Man as a villain in Avengers: Secret Wars? Let us know on our social media pages! And stick around Whatever a Spider Can for everything Spider-Man-related.