A major deviation from the mixed bag of box-office successes and failures that of the post-Avengers: Endgame movies, Marvel Studios in collaboration with Sony, pulled off one of the biggest cinematic experiences with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man: No Way Home. The 2021 flick not only revived the big screens after a pandemic slump, but also brought the three major live-action Spider-Man actors together on-screen, along with some of the most iconic villains from all of their movies.

Tom Holland as Iron Spider in Spider-Man: No Way Home
A still of Tom Holland as Spider-Man in Spider-Man: No Way Home | Sony Entertainment

The much-celebrated affair, however, also brought with it one of the grittiest plots for an MCU movie as it set the character on a harrowing fate filled with sorrow and separation. Moreover, a new suit coupled with this new slate featured at the end of the movie has already sparked discussions regarding a potential Spider-Man 4. Now, insider scoops tease that the tide of lows may not recede anytime soon.

Spider-Man 4 will put Tom Holland through even more despair

Tom Holland's Spider-Man close-up showcasing him grieving Aunt May in Spider-Man: No Way Home
A look at Tom Holland’s Spider-Man grieving Aunt May in Spider-Man: No Way Home | Sony Entertainment

Currently in a nascent stage, reports have suggested that Marvel Studios is actively willing to push out Spider-Man 4 before Avengers 5, and hence an official production timeline as well as a potential release date for the former should be out sooner or later. Meanwhile, tipster Alex posted on X (formerly Twitter) that fans will soon witness a “depressed Peter Parker,” unlike any other ever showcased on the big screen, giving fans exactly what they asked for.

The statement reflects popular sentiments within the fandom wishing for Tom Holland to take on a more mature and serious Spider-Man, shedding past his teenage days when he had Tony Stark as a mentor. Thereafter, he lived under Irom Man’s shadow, a prevalent theme in Spider-Man: Far From Home. Thus, it appears that Marvel Studios has taken note of it and will be moving ahead in that very direction with a plot that he described as:

All of this also aligns with Kevin Feige, as well as Holland’s interests to allow for a more grounded web-slinger. The duo reportedly has plans to turn the character into a street-level superhero and pair him up with the likes of Daredevil and take on comic-iconic villains such as Kingpin. Finally, with the events of the last movie serving as a brutal character development arc, it is perhaps the best time for Marvel to move ahead with its vision.

Marvel’s plans put Tom Holland’s story way ahead of Andrew Garfield’s ill-fated outing

Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy looking up while falling to her death in Andrew Garfield's Amazing Spider-Man 2
Screen-grab of Gwen Stacy falling to her death in Andrew Garfield’s Amazing Spider-Man 2 | Sony Entertainment

Before Tom Holland debuted as MCU’s Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War, Andrew Garfield captured the popular imagination with his two movie-run as the character, which he, in turn, had inherited from Tobey Maguire. Much like the current Peter Parker sacrificed his love for MJ, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 set up Gwen Stacy’s death to serve as a catalyst for the character to get into a more brooding tone.

Garfield missed out on a third outing owing to fate. Yet, if it had managed to go through, the plot would have had a rematch with Harry Osborn’s Green Goblin, filled with more intensity and ruthlessness. Additionally, it would have also had him try to get over his grief and serve the greater duty of Spider-Man. However, it might pale in comparison if the rumored plot for Holland’s next outing stands true.