The upcoming Spider-Man film, Spider-Man: No Way Home, has been excited to Marvel Cinematic Universe fans for a wide variety of reasons. But now a new reason has just been given. While it’s already been previously announced that actor Alfred Molina would be joining the cast, many assumed that he was simply an alternate universe version of the character Doctor Octopus he played in Spider-Man 2. As it turns out, this isn’t the case. Alfred Molina himself has now confirmed that he is actually playing the very same Doc Ock that we last saw at the end of Spider-Man 2. This means Spider-Man: No Way Home will actually be something of an indirect sequel to filmmaker Sam Raimi’s classic Spider-Man trilogy.
Here’s what Alfred Molina specifically had to say while speaking with Variety about returning as Doc Ock:
“When we were shooting it, we were all under orders not to talk about it, because it was supposed to be some great big secret. But, you know, it’s all over the internet. I actually described myself as the worst kept secret in Hollywood! It was wonderful. It was very interesting going back after 17 years to play the same role, given that in the intervening years, I now have two chins, a wattle, crow’s feet and a slightly a slightly dodgy lower back.”
He also mentioned discussing the role with director Jon Watts when he was first asked to come back onboard. He didn’t understand how it was possible, and Jon Watts gave him this specific answer:
“In this universe, no one really dies.”
This confirms it – Alfred Molina will in fact be playing the same version of Doc Ock he once played in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2. Now, of course, it’s still unclear whether or not previous Spider-Man actors Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield will be joining the cast – but it seems things are certainly lining up for such exciting additions. Either way, Spider-Man: No Way Home definitely sounds like an indirect sequel to their original franchises at this point.
As of right now, the confirmed cast for the major upcoming superhero film includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jamie Foxx, Alfred Molina, Jacob Batalon, Tony Revolori, and Hannibal Buress. More casting announcements for the project are to be expected.
The upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster Spider-Man: No Way Home is scheduled to hit theaters on December 17, 2021.