It’s almost more than a decade after Andrew Garfield first suggested why Peter Parker could not be gay, The british-american actor still believes Spider-Man should be open to anyone who sees themselves in the character. The former web-slinger revisited his 2013 comments and explained that the hero’s full-body suit makes him uniquely universal, regardless of gender, sexuality or race.
Andrew Garfield Says Anyone Can Be In The Spider-Man Suit
Garfield described his original comments as “an exercise in rebellion that I felt passionate about,” but said his position has not changed. “I just still believe that anyone can be in that suit,” he told Entertainment Weekly.
The actor’s argument centers on what the mask hides rather than what it reveals. “You don’t see skin color, you don’t see gender, you don’t see sexuality. Anyone can project themselves into that suit,” Garfield previously said.
He believes that openness is part of what has made Spider-Man such a widely relatable character. “A hero is a hero, whether you’re a man, woman, gay, lesbian, straight, black, white or red all over — it doesn’t matter,” he said.
The 43 year old actor first raised the possibility of a gay Peter Parker while promoting The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in 2013. Discussing Peter’s relationship with Mary Jane Watson, he suggested changing the character’s romantic interest and asked, “Why can’t we discover that Peter is exploring his sexuality?”
He even proposed Michael B. Jordan for the role, saying he had been “obsessed” with the actor since The Wire and joking about bringing “interracial bisexuality” to the franchise.
Garfield has also supported Miles Morales becoming Spider-Man, calling the idea of passing the mantle “a really beautiful and important move.” His comments reflect the broader possibilities introduced by Spider-Verse, which has already shown audiences that Spider-Man does not have to look or exist in only one way.
To be clear, there is no indication that Marvel is planning a gay Peter Parker, and Garfield’s comments are not an announcement of any upcoming project.