Split image of Marisa Tomei's Aunt May during her death in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) on the left, Aunt May talking to someone on the right

As if Aunt May’s Spider-Man: No Way Home death wasn’t already devastating enough, some recently revealed behind-the-scenes information makes it hurt even more. The MCU took a unique approach in their adaptation of Spider-Man by significantly aging down Aunt May. Rosemary Harris and Sally Field played Aunt May in the Sam Raimi trilogy and Amazing Spider-Man franchises, respectively, while Marisa Tomei played her in the MCU. Many were skeptical of Marvel’s new approach to the character, especially diehard Spider-Man fans. However, Tomei quickly won people over.

Tomei’s Aunt May definitely felt like the cool aunt, and her hands-on approach with Peter’s Spider-Man life throughout the MCU’s “Home” trilogy gave her character a new layer of connection to her nephew. She played a big part in the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, but it was also where she unfortunately met her end. After the Green Goblin persona retakes control of Norman, she is gravely injured during his escape. Aunt May dies in Peter’s arms, but not before uttering, “With great power, there must also come great responsibility.”

Marisa Tomei’s Favorite Part Of Filming The MCU Spider-Man Trilogy Makes Aunt May’s Death Even Sadder

Aunt May dying in Peter Parker's arms in Spider-Man No Way Home

Tomei recently attended Toronto FanExpo. She was asked what her favorite moment from filming the MCU’s Spider-Man trilogy was, and she responded that it was, ” Watching Tom and Zendaya grow up and watching them fall in love.” The two actors follow the Spider-Man leads dating trend, which started first with Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst from the Raimi trilogy, then Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone from the Amazing Spider-Man films. Holland and Zendaya’s relationship was made public in 2021 just before the release of No Way Home, so it made Peter and MJ’s romance in the film all the more heartbreaking.

When Doctor Strange casts the final spell that makes the universe forget about Peter Parker, that includes MJ. There is a big chance that they reunite in the future MCU, but it will definitely take some time. The fact that Tomei was there to witness the growth of both Tom and Zendaya’s on-screen and off-screen romances and that it was her favorite part of filming is truly one of the most in-character answers she could’ve given. It makes Aunt May’s death even sadder because she dies in the same movie that Peter and MJ’s relationship does too.

Marisa Tomei’s MCU Spider-Man Trilogy Comments Make The “Home” Trilogy Even Better

Aunt May closes a door while smiling in Spider-Man: Homecoming

Tomei’s behind-the-scenes reveal makes the MCU’s Spider-Man films even better because there’s a level of real-world connection to the “Home” trilogy now. No matter how hard audiences try, it’s difficult to separate actors from their roles while watching their projects. In the case of No Way Home, it worked in the film’s favor. The knowledge that Holland and Zendaya’s relationship really did develop while filming the Spider-Man films makes Peter and MJ’s romance feel so much more authentic.

Tomei’s time in the MCU may have come to an end, but she has still managed to impact the trilogy even years after its release. Her recent reveal about her favorite behind-the-scenes moment will change how fans rewatch the “Home” trilogy, since they will now feel a more emotional connection to Peter and MJ’s relationship. Knowing that Tomei truly cared for Holland and Zendaya behind the scenes makes the Parker family connection feel more genuine, which also makes Aunt May’s Spider-Man: No Way Home death all the more devastating.