Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man return in No Way Home confirmed via unlikely source?

Are Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield returning for Spider-Man: No Way Home after all?

Keeping Spider-Man: No Way Home a secret has been quite a challenge for Marvel Studios and Sony. The film has been plagued by leaks and rumors regarding Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield returning as their respective versions of Peter Parker from Sam Raimi and Marc Webb’s Spider-Man franchises, respectively. The No Way Home trailer was recently released, confirming that the plot will center around the multiverse, and that Peter will face multiverse versions of the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus and Electro.

However, there was no sign of Garfield or Maguire. Of course, that’s understandable, considering this trailer is our first official look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe film, and Marvel Studios usually likes to keep things close to its chest and slowly reveal more excitement from its projects as their release dates approach. Still, many fans were left frustrated, as they desired an actual confirmation that previous Spidey performers will indeed lend a hand to Tom Holland’s Parker as he tries to save the world once again.

Recently, though, a big clue regarding Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s rumored involvement in the film became available from arguably one of the unlikeliest of sources: J.B. Smoove.

J.B. Smoove seemingly confirms Tobey Maguire’s role in Spider-Man No Way Home

J.B. Smoove portrayed Mr. Dell, Peter Parker’s inept teacher, in Spider-Man: Far From Home, and he is coming back for No Way Home. Smoove recently chatted with The Illuminerdi, and he was asked which Spider-Man villain he was most looking forward to see return in No Way Home.

After Smoove shared his excitement over seeing Jamie Foxx as Electro again, The Illuminerdi asked him which Spider-Man actor he had been most excited to see Tom Holland share the screen with — Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield. Smoove replied:

"“Tobey Maguire, of course, man.”"

It’s interesting to note that, by making a choice between Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire, it could be argued that Smoove seemingly confirmed that Garfield will also be returning as the Web-Slinger. While the rumors of Maguire and Garfield coming back as Spider-Men have been swirling around for quite some time, having a No Way Home actor address their (possible) roles in this manner makes their return seem much more plausible.

Potential information leaks like this one are undoubtedly stressful for Marvel Studios and Sony. Not only is secrecy customary for upcoming superhero films, but No Way Home appears to be a particularly surprise-filled film, so having said surprises seemingly spoiled in this way is surely problematic for the aforementioned studios.

So that’s it, Tobey Maguire is confirmed for No Way Home, right? Well… not exactly. There is something we still have to consider.

Is Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man: No Way Home?

By now, all signs are pointing to Tobey Maguire suiting up once again as the Web-Slinger in No Way Home. However, before we draw any conclusions from Smoove’s statement, we need to look at the other sign of the coin: What if Smoove didn’t actually confirm Maguire’s role? Even though it certainly sounded like it, it could have also been that he simply misunderstood the question.

He could have interpreted The Illuminerdi’s question as naming a Spider-Man actor that he would like to see Tom Holland share the screen with. Is it likely? Again, given everything we know about the movie so far, that doesn’t appear to be the case. However, Smoove giving a hypothetical answer is still a possibility.

Of course, it’s far likelier that this wasn’t just a misunderstanding. The fact that Smoove was aware that Jamie Foxx will return as Electro after previously playing the villain in a now seven-year-old film points to the actor being a fan of the Spider-Man franchise. Mind you, this is speculation on our part, but Smoove’s knowledge and awareness of the film’s returning cast members and characters could mean that he was in fact aware of Maguire’s involvement and simply forgot to make use of Marvel Studios’ famous secrecy strategies in that moment.

For now, it appears we have yet another piece of information that points to Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield indeed coming back to don the beloved red-and-blue tights in No Way Home. We don’t know about you, but the wait for December 17 is getting harder by the minute for us.

Spider-Man: No Way Home arrives in theaters on December 17, 2021.

What do you think about J.B. Smoove’s comments? Do you think it was an actual confirmation or was it just a misunderstanding? Let us know in the comments below!