Written by Joy Lyn Parohinog Francisco
In a podcast, Jacob Batalon seemed to hint at turning into the Hobgoblin in the Spider-Man franchise.
In Spider-Man: No Way Home, MJ (Zendaya) and Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon) lose memories of ever knowing Peter Parker (Tom Holland). This brings in a new dynamic to the normal lives of MJ and Leeds. Also, the movie, in a way, foreshadowed Leeds turning into a villain. At the time, he is aware that the other Spideys’ best friends became their enemies. He then promised his Peter Parker he won’t turn out like them.
But now, Leeds has forgotten everything that happened related to Parker.
Even though he may no longer be his best friend, Parker still knows everything. Parker bears the burden of the memories they lost. He also bears the pain of knowing all that they had to give up to save the multiverse. He still gets to see his old friends, but he dares not to befriend them again. For their own safety.
Jacob Batalon Hints At Turning Into The Hobgoblin
Image: Sony Pictures
There is no question about whether this trio may have another Spider-Man film between them. That has a definite “yes” down the line. The question is: what story would merit a follow up movie for them? If ever they will go the Hobgoblin route for Jacob Batalon, how will they go about it?
In effect, Spider-Man: No Way Home gave Parker a clean slate. While people don’t know Parker exists, the world is still aware of Spider-Man. Villains may not exactly connect MJ or Leeds to him, but the universe weaves a tether between the three that is undeniable. Eventually, at some point or another, they will encounter each other again.
It could be during college or afterwards. Stories that can re-tie them three together. At first, Parker may welcome this development because it’s a chance to get the three of them together again. However, conflicts may arise if MJ and Leeds, having been best friends for a longer time, would have disagreements. Also, MJ and/or Leeds, in the absence of Parker in their memories, may develop deeper feelings for one another. Having a ‘new’ friend may leave one feeling left out.
This is one scenario that fans are slowly brewing for Leeds to turn into the Hobgoblin. Leeds’ feelings for MJ may be for more than a best friend. However, MJ may not actually share that feeling towards him. Parker comes in and, of course, captures MJ’s attention. Somehow, she feels she’s known him before. This is already played out a bit in the final scenes of the movie when Parker meant to tell everything. At the last minute, he changed his mind.
Jacob Batalon Hints At Turning Into The Hobgoblin
Image: Sony Pictures
Feelings of jealousy or insecurity may just push Leeds to become villainous. And by villainous we mean the Hobgoblin. This will satisfy the inevitable arc of Spider-Man’s best friend becoming his enemy. In all possible universes.
Batalon talks about gravitating to dark dramatic roles instead of comedic ones lately. His upcoming project has him turning half of that. He becomes Reginald the Vampire, the newest series starting on SyFy on October 5, 2022. Dark comedy this time with some dramatic scenes. Eventually, in the story, he will discover unique abilities as well.
We wonder if this is Batalon’s first step to finding a dark version of Leeds turning into the Hobgoblin, soon too.