The web of speculation around a long-awaited fourth installment in Sam Raimi’s iconic Spider-Man trilogy has tightened once again, with fresh reports suggesting the project is far from dead. Screenwriter Matt Tomlin, fresh off co-writing duties on The Batman and its upcoming sequel The Batman Part II, has been actively championing a revival that would bring back Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker and Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson. Tomlin’s vision centers on an older, more mature Spider-Man grappling with the dual responsibilities of superhero duties and family life—specifically as a husband and father—making this potential film one of the most emotionally resonant entries in the franchise’s history.
The buzz reignited in mid-2025 when Tomlin publicly shared his passion for the idea on social media. Responding to fan queries, he expressed a strong desire to pen a script exploring Peter Parker in a new life stage: married to MJ, raising a child, and still swinging through the city to protect innocents. This concept draws from the natural progression of the original trilogy, where Peter and MJ’s relationship evolved from awkward crushes to deep commitment amid chaos. After Spider-Man 3‘s bittersweet ending—Peter walking away from MJ to spare her pain, only for hints of reconciliation—the idea of them building a family feels like a logical, heartfelt continuation. Tomlin emphasized that seeing Spider-Man as a father resonated deeply with him, especially after reviewing the evolution of the character across multiple cinematic iterations.
Tomlin has not been shy about his efforts to make this happen. He has reached out to legendary director Sam Raimi, the visionary behind the 2002-2007 trilogy that redefined superhero cinema with its blend of spectacle, humor, and genuine human drama. Raimi, known for his distinctive style—dynamic camera work, horror-infused action, and heartfelt character moments—remains a key figure in these discussions. While Raimi has expressed mixed feelings in recent interviews, noting that Peter and MJ’s story has “gone elsewhere” and that he handed the torch to new filmmakers, he has also left the door slightly ajar. In conversations promoting his recent horror project Send Help, Raimi acknowledged the enduring love for his version of the character but stressed respect for the current MCU timeline led by Tom Holland. Despite this, Tomlin remains optimistic, stating in late 2025 that he hadn’t received a definitive “no” from the powers that be. He described the process as involving “a lot of people and politics,” but insisted “slow and steady wins the race,” hinting at ongoing behind-the-scenes momentum.
The appeal of this rumored Spider-Man 4 lies in its emotional core. Maguire’s Peter Parker has always been defined by sacrifice—losing Uncle Ben, struggling with responsibility, and repeatedly putting others before himself. A story where he balances fatherhood with heroism would explore new territory: the fear of failing as a parent, the guilt of endangering his family, and the joy of seeing his child grow up in a world he fights to protect. Imagine Peter teaching his son (or daughter) about responsibility while hiding his double life, or MJ stepping into a more active role as a supportive partner who understands the toll of his secret identity. Kirsten Dunst, who has spoken warmly about the possibility of reprising MJ—once joking about returning “with kids”—has shown enthusiasm for revisiting the character in a more mature light. Her chemistry with Maguire was electric in the original films, grounding the fantastical elements in real emotion.
This isn’t the first time Spider-Man 4 rumors have surfaced. After Spider-Man 3 in 2007, Raimi and Maguire planned a sequel featuring villains like the Vulture and potentially Mysterio, but creative differences and studio shifts led to its cancellation in favor of the Andrew Garfield reboot. The multiverse opened new doors with Maguire’s cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), where he shared poignant moments with Holland’s Peter and even Andrew Garfield’s version. That appearance reignited fan demand for more from the Raimi era, proving the character’s lasting appeal. Recent re-releases of the trilogy in theaters further boosted nostalgia, landing in box office charts and reminding audiences why these films endure.
Tomlin’s involvement adds credibility. As a writer on The Batman, he demonstrated skill in crafting grounded, character-driven superhero stories with emotional depth—qualities that align perfectly with Raimi’s approach. Pairing his modern sensibilities with Raimi’s classic style could create something special: a film that honors the trilogy’s legacy while pushing it forward. The pitch avoids multiversal gimmicks, focusing instead on intimate, personal stakes in Peter’s own world.
Of course, challenges remain. Sony and Marvel’s shared control over Spider-Man means any project must navigate complex rights and priorities. The success of Holland’s films, including upcoming entries like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, takes precedence, and Raimi has emphasized not wanting to overshadow that run. Yet the multiverse concept allows for standalone stories in alternate timelines, potentially making a Raimi-directed legacy sequel feasible without conflicting with the main MCU.
Fans have voiced overwhelming support online, with discussions highlighting how a fatherhood-focused story would add layers to Spider-Man’s enduring themes of responsibility and loss. It could explore aging, legacy, and the fear of passing on burdens to the next generation—ideas that resonate in today’s world. If greenlit, this film would not only satisfy longtime devotees but also introduce the character to new audiences through its heartfelt narrative.
As of early 2026, no official announcement has come from Sony, Marvel, or the principals involved. Tomlin continues to express quiet determination, and the absence of a firm rejection keeps hope alive. Whether this becomes reality or remains a passionate fan dream, the conversation underscores the profound impact Raimi’s trilogy had—and the hunger for more stories about this particular wall-crawler.
Would audiences embrace a more mature, family-oriented Spider-Man? The answer seems clear from the excitement surrounding these rumors: absolutely. If Spider-Man 4 does swing into theaters, it promises to be one of the most emotional chapters yet in the saga of your friendly neighborhood hero.
