Spider-Man: No Way Home had to juggle quite a lot throughout its runtime. Not only did it act as a perfect send-off to Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire‘s runs on the character while also keeping the focus on Tom Holland‘s version. Yet, it not only managed to keep that balance perfectly but even gave the returning cast smaller arcs in the film. A highlight for many was the redemption arc surrounding Garfield‘s version of Peter Parker.
His last film ended with the death of Gwen Stacy due to him not being able to save her. It’s something that stuck with him to this day and is highlighted once he has his first meeting with Peter, who is also going through quite a dark moment. Luckily, the film gives him a second chance to make up for not being able to save Gwen after the MCU’s version of MJ was falling. In an interview with Variety, Garfield shares his excitement about being able to give his version of Peter Parker a redemption.
Oh my god, I don’t even know where to start with that. It’s too big. Gwen had agency. In our film, on her final day, she shows up. I tried to restrain her from showing up to that scene with Electro [Jamie Foxx]. I knew that it was too dangerous, but she chose to be there. She had a hand in her own destiny in that way, and the movie is about fate. I will say the image of my catching [Zendaya’s] MJ — that was really beautiful and it kind of sold me on the whole thing.
Andrew Garfield
It certainly hit many viewers, as Garfield‘s Parker teared up while holding MJ. This moment perfectly highlights how much this film manages to accomplish with smaller moments. It makes you wonder, with the active interest of him returning to the role if there is more to this redemption that can be carried over in a potential continuation. It also echoes strongly Holland‘s Peter story as he also has to find a way to not give in to his inner darkness.
Source: Variety
