There's been a lot of talk lately about "prime" versions (or Variants) of Marvel characters. It stems from rumours that Deadpool 3 will feature the Time Variance Authority searching for specific heroes from different worlds who they can assemble as an army to take down Kang and stop the Multiversal War.
While the upcoming threequel will presumably lay the groundwork for that unique team-up, we're guessing it won't be until Avengers: The Kang Dynasty - or perhaps Avengers: Secret Wars - that we see these new Guardians of the Multiverse in action.
Since Spider-Man: No Way Home was released at the end of 2021, rumours have persisted that Andrew Garfield will reprise the role of Peter Parker in a future MCU project. Tobey Maguire, meanwhile, is also thought to be open to the idea of suiting up again.
As for Tom Holland's web-slinger, the actor was in talks for Spider-Man 4 before the Hollywood strikes started, and we've heard the idea is for him to be a lead character in The Kang Dynasty.
Today, one online scooper is claiming that it's Holland's Spidey who will be revealed as the "prime" Variant in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This makes sense on many levels and sets the stage for the hero to continue being a key part of this shared world in Secret Wars and beyond.
Ahead of Spider-Man: Far From Home's release, Sony decided it no longer needed Marvel Studios to make movies starring the web-slinger. A very vocal backlash from fans helped change the studio's mind, though it still feels like the character could be pulled out of the MCU at any moment.
Armed with "a bunch of notes and ideas," Holland met with Marvel Studios earlier this year and reflected on how it went before the SAG-AFTRA strike started. "It was myself, Amy, [Marvel Studios president] Kevin Feige, [executive producer] Rachel [O’Connor], sometimes other executives from Marvel will sit in."
"It’s a collaborative process. The first few meetings were about, 'Why would we do this again?' And I think we found the reason why. I’m really, really happy with where we’re at in terms of the creative. But I’m also a little apprehensive about it."
"There’s a bit of a stigma about the fourth one in all franchises," the actor added. "I feel like we hit a home run with our first franchise and there’s a part of me that wants to walk away with my head held high and pass the baton to the next lucky kid that gets to bring this character to life."
Avengers: The Kang Dynasty is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 1, 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars set to follow on May 7, 2027.