In a jaw-dropping moment that has sent shockwaves through the Marvel fandom, Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old star of The Last of Us and Game of Thrones, has thrown their hat into the ring to take on one of the most iconic roles in superhero cinema: Spider-Man. In a candid interview with Variety on August 18, 2025, Ramsey declared, “I could be Spider-Man. Tom Holland did a great job, though. So, maybe they do need to make a new [superhero] for me.” The bold statement, laced with both admiration and ambition, has sparked a firestorm of reactions online, with fans and critics alike debating whether Ramsey could swing into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as the next web-slinger—or perhaps as an entirely new hero crafted just for them. With their rising star power and a fresh perspective on superhero films, Ramsey’s unexpected pitch has ignited a conversation about the future of Spider-Man and the evolving landscape of comic book movies. So, what inspired this audacious claim, and could Bella Ramsey really be the next face of Marvel’s wall-crawler? Let’s dive into the story behind the headlines.

A Star on the Rise: Bella Ramsey’s Meteoric Career

Bella Ramsey, born September 25, 2003, in Nottingham, England, has become one of Hollywood’s most compelling young talents. Non-binary and using they/them pronouns, Ramsey first captured global attention as the fierce Lyanna Mormont in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Their commanding performance as the young noblewoman, despite limited screen time, showcased a raw intensity that made them a fan favorite. At just 15, Ramsey was stealing scenes from seasoned actors, setting the stage for a career defined by versatility and authenticity.

Their breakout role came in 2023 as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, an adaptation of the acclaimed video game. Playing a tough, witty teenager navigating a post-apocalyptic world alongside Pedro Pascal’s Joel, Ramsey earned critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination in 2024, with a second nod in 2025 for the show’s upcoming third season. The series, a cultural juggernaut, solidified Ramsey’s status as a leading actor capable of carrying emotionally complex roles. Beyond The Last of Us, Ramsey has tackled diverse projects, from the psychological thriller Catherine Called Birdy to upcoming films like Harmonia, Sunny Dancer, and Correction Unit, as well as the TV series Maya, where they play a teenage girl on the run in Scotland.

Ramsey’s appeal lies in their ability to embody characters who are both vulnerable and fiercely independent, traits that resonate with younger audiences and align strikingly with the essence of Spider-Man—a hero defined by youthful energy, resilience, and relatability. Their recent comments about wanting to play Spider-Man, however, mark a bold pivot toward the superhero genre, a realm they’ve only recently explored as a viewer.

The Spark of Inspiration: A Newfound Love for Spider-Man

Ramsey’s interest in Spider-Man isn’t a lifelong obsession but a fresh passion ignited by a single film. In the Variety interview, they revealed that their first foray into superhero cinema came just months ago when they watched Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man starring Andrew Garfield. “It was the first time I watched a Marvel film, and that was two months, three months ago,” Ramsey admitted. “Incredible. I loved it.” The 2012 film, which rebooted the Spider-Man franchise after Sam Raimi’s trilogy, captivated Ramsey with its blend of high-octane action, emotional depth, and Garfield’s charismatic portrayal of Peter Parker.

The timing of Ramsey’s discovery is telling. At 21, they’re entering a phase of their career where they can afford to take risks, and their newfound appreciation for superhero films—coupled with their connection to Pedro Pascal, who recently joined the MCU as Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps—seems to have sparked a desire to leap into the Marvel universe. When asked if they’d called Pascal to express interest in an MCU role, Ramsey’s response was playful yet pointed: “I don’t know about that. I could be Spider-Man. Tom Holland did a great job though. So maybe they do need to make a new [superhero] for me.” The comment, delivered with Ramsey’s signature blend of humility and cheekiness, suggests both admiration for Holland’s tenure and a quiet confidence in their own potential to redefine the role—or create something entirely new.

Tom Holland’s Reign as Spider-Man: A Tough Act to Follow

Tom Holland, now 29, has been the face of Spider-Man in the MCU since his debut in Captain America: Civil War in 2016. Over six films, including three solo outings—Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Far From Home (2019), and No Way Home (2021)—Holland has brought a youthful, nerdy charm to Peter Parker, earning praise for capturing the character’s essence as a relatable teenager balancing school, love, and superhero duties. His trilogy has grossed over $3.9 billion worldwide, with No Way Home alone raking in $1.9 billion, making it one of the highest-grossing films ever. Holland’s acrobatic background, infectious humor, and emotional depth have cemented him as a fan favorite, with iconic moments like his tearful farewell to Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame etching him into Marvel history.

Yet, Holland’s future as Spider-Man is uncertain. In a June 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he expressed apprehension about a fourth solo film, citing the need to protect the character’s legacy. “I won’t make another one for the sake of making another one,” he said. “It will have to be worth the while of the character.” Reports from August 2025 indicate that Holland is prepping for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set to film in Glasgow, but rumors swirl that it could be his final outing as Peter Parker. This uncertainty opens the door for fresh faces, and Ramsey’s bold claim has positioned them as an unexpected contender.

Why Bella Ramsey as Spider-Man Makes Sense

Ramsey’s interest in playing Spider-Man isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. The character of Peter Parker—or any Spider-Person—has always been about relatability. From Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s original comics to the multiverse-spanning Spider-Verse films, Spider-Man is defined by universal struggles: juggling responsibilities, grappling with self-doubt, and finding strength in adversity. Ramsey’s performances, particularly as Ellie, showcase these qualities. Their ability to convey raw emotion, quick wit, and physicality aligns with the demands of the role.

Moreover, Ramsey’s non-binary identity could bring a fresh perspective to Spider-Man, aligning with Marvel’s push for diversity. The comics have introduced characters like Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy (Spider-Gwen), and Pavitr Prabhakar, proving that the Spider-Mantle can be worn by anyone. Ramsey’s comment about needing a “new superhero” suggests they’re open to either reimagining Peter Parker or creating an original character, perhaps inspired by the multiverse concept that No Way Home popularized with its trio of Spider-Men (Holland, Tobey Maguire, and Garfield).

Physically, Ramsey is up to the challenge. At 5’1”, they’re shorter than Holland’s 5’8”, but Spider-Man’s agility relies more on athleticism than height. Ramsey’s background in theater and their intense preparation for The Last of Us—which included physical training for action scenes—demonstrate their capability. In a 2023 interview, Ramsey described learning to handle weapons and navigate rugged terrain for the HBO series, skills that could translate to web-slinging stunts. Plus, their youthful appearance and expressive face would capture the awkward charm of a teenage hero.

A New Superhero for Ramsey?

Ramsey’s caveat—“maybe they do need to make a new [superhero] for me”—hints at an alternative to replacing Holland. The MCU’s multiverse opens endless possibilities, and Ramsey could star as a new character, perhaps a Spider-Person from another dimension or a hero inspired by Marvel’s vast roster. The Spider-Verse films, which introduced Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy, have shown that audiences embrace diverse takes on the web-slinger. A Ramsey-led superhero could be a gender-neutral or non-binary character, reflecting their identity and appealing to Gen Z fans.

Marvel’s recent moves suggest openness to such innovation. The Fantastic Four reboot, featuring Pascal, signals a new era for the MCU, with films like Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World introducing diverse heroes. Ramsey could play a character like Anya Corazon (Spider-Girl) or Cindy Moon (Silk), both of whom have rich comic backstories. Alternatively, a wholly original hero could be crafted, blending Ramsey’s gritty charisma with Marvel’s knack for spectacle.

The Fan Reaction: Frenzy and Debate

Ramsey’s comments exploded on social media, with X posts lighting up within hours of the Variety interview. Fans of The Last of Us cheered the idea, with one user writing, “Bella as Spider-Man? I’m here for it! They’d bring such heart to the role.” Others praised the potential for a non-binary hero, noting, “Marvel needs to keep pushing boundaries, and Bella would be perfect.” However, some fans expressed skepticism, citing Holland’s iconic run. “Tom IS Spider-Man,” one post declared. “Bella’s great, but let’s not mess with perfection.” Another user argued, “Why not a new character? Bella doesn’t need to replace Tom—they can shine on their own.”

The debate reflects broader tensions in superhero fandom, where loyalty to established stars clashes with calls for diversity. Ramsey’s youth and relative inexperience in blockbusters raised concerns for some, but their Emmy-nominated work and critical acclaim counter those doubts. The conversation also touched on the MCU’s “superhero fatigue,” a term Ramsey acknowledged in the interview, noting the genre’s dominance in cinemas. Yet, their enthusiasm for The Amazing Spider-Man suggests they see potential to refresh the formula.

What’s Next for Ramsey and the MCU?

Ramsey’s Spider-Man ambition comes at a pivotal moment. Their slate is packed, with The Last of Us Season 3 in development and films like Harmonia and Sunny Dancer on the horizon. A superhero role would be a bold leap, requiring intense physical training and stunt work, but Ramsey’s proven they’re up for challenges. Their connection to Pascal could be a foot in the door—imagine a Fantastic Four and Spider-Person crossover, blending Ramsey’s raw energy with Pascal’s gravitas.

For now, Ramsey’s comments seem more aspirational than concrete. Marvel and Sony, who share Spider-Man’s film rights, haven’t responded publicly, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day is moving forward with Holland. But the multiverse offers flexibility, and Ramsey’s star power makes them a viable candidate for a future project. A standalone film or Disney+ series could introduce a new hero, with Ramsey’s name already generating buzz.

A Heist Movie Dream and Beyond

Interestingly, Ramsey’s Variety interview also revealed another ambition: a heist movie with Pascal. “I’d love to do a bank heist movie with Pedro,” they said, showcasing their genre versatility. This idea, combined with their Spider-Man pitch, paints Ramsey as an actor eager to explore new territory while staying true to their roots in grounded, character-driven stories.

As the MCU evolves, Ramsey’s bold vision could reshape its landscape. Whether as Spider-Man, a new hero, or a heist mastermind, they’re poised to leave a mark. For now, fans are left dreaming of Bella Ramsey swinging through New York’s skyline, delivering quips with their signature grit. As they put it, “Tom Holland has done a great job, but I think I’d do better if they made a new movie for me.” Only time will tell if Marvel takes the leap—but one thing’s certain: Ramsey’s ready to soar.