Jacob Batalon, known for his role as Ned Leeds in the Spider-Man movies, has showcased his acting chops in the recent horror film Tarot.
In Tarot, Batalon plays Paxton, a college student who encounters a sinister curse after messing with a haunted tarot deck.
The film follows Paxton and his friends as they are hunted by various manifestations from the tarot cards, including the Fool, a menacing clown.
Jacob Batalon’s portrayal of Paxton reveals a depth and range that hasn’t been fully explored in his MCU role.
His impressive performance in Tarot contributed to the film’s success, turning an $8 million production budget into a remarkable $45.6 million box office haul.
His ability to traverse action, drama, and horror in Tarot demonstrates that he is capable of much more than being just a sidekick.
In fact, the MCU has already hinted at Ned’s potential beyond being Peter Parker’s loyal friend. In Spider-Man: No Way Home, Ned demonstrated an ability to use magic, opening portals with Doctor Strange’s sling ring.
This newfound skill sets the stage for Ned to be trained as a sorcerer, perhaps at Kamar-Taj, alongside America Chavez.
The Potential for Ned Leeds to Become Hobgoblin
Another rumor has surfaced suggesting that Jacob Batalon’s Ned Leeds will undergo a significant transformation in the upcoming Spider-Man 4, potentially becoming the Hobgoblin.
This rumor, shared by industry insider @HolyfieldM5 on X, hints that Ned will return to the MCU with connections to the multiverse, aligning with the comic book storyline where Ned becomes Hobgoblin.
Jacob Batalon will return to the MCU in the new Spider-Man trilogy as Hobgoblin and will have connections to the multiverse.
It was previously teased in ‘SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME’ that ned leeds will eventually become a supervillain that targets Spider-Man. pic.twitter.com/KEe13ewzCO
— HolyField News (@HolyfieldM5) June 19, 2024
Not just a mere rumor, Spider-Man: No Way Home dropped subtle hints about Ned’s future. In a memorable scene, Ned promises Peter Parker that he will never turn into a supervillain.
However, with Doctor Strange’s spell wiping Ned’s memory of his friendship with Peter, the stage is set for a darker turn.
Without his loyalty to Peter, Ned could easily be manipulated or find a new path that leads him to become Hobgoblin.
In the comics, Ned Leeds is brainwashed and manipulated into becoming Hobgoblin. If the MCU follows this storyline, it would not only provide a compelling arc for Ned but also allow Batalon to explore a more complex, villainous character.
This shift would mark a significant departure from his previous roles, giving Batalon the opportunity to shine as a leading man.
Jacob Batalon’s performance in Tarot proves that he has the range and talent to take on more substantial roles within the MCU.
With Spider-Man 4 on the horizon, Marvel has the perfect opportunity to elevate Batalon’s character and give him the spotlight he deserves.
Stay tuned for more updates on the next chapter of Spider-Man and the evolving role of Jacob Batalon’s Ned Leeds in the MCU.