Jacob Batalon reveals why he didn't expect to return for Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Spider-Man: Brand New Day actor Jacob Batalon didn't think he'd return to the franchise after appearing in three Spider-Man movies. During the Zach Sang Show, when asked about returning for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Batalon said that the third movie, Spider-Man: No Way Home, had an "open-ended" ending which was done "on purpose" so it could have been the end of their story or the start of something new.

Thinking it could be his last Spider-Man movie, Batalon added that he felt their story had reached a natural end. Batalon's Spider-Man journey started with Spider-Man: Homecoming, after which he also appeared in Spider-Man: Far From Home and Spider-Man: No Way Home. He also had a brief cameo in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

In the franchise, Jacob Batalon plays the character of Ned Leeds, Parker's best friend who is funny, pretty, chill, and carefree.

Jacob Batalon recalls getting the call for Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Jacob Batalon - Source: Getty

During the Zach Sang Show, Jacob Batalon revealed his reaction after getting the phone call about returning for the latest movie, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, saying he was happy if it happened but had also accepted that it might not go as planned. Batalon revealed that the team first reached out to check his availability and potential to see him again.

Adding to his answer, the actor explained that these calls are common in the industry and that he feels fortunate not to rely on just one role. Batalon also joked that he and Zendaya usually come as a "package" with Tom Holland, saying that if Holland returns, they are likely to return too.

While his character, Ned, doesn't remember Spider-Man's real identity or have any memories of Peter Parker after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, he is still shown in the latest movie trying his best to uncover Spider-Man's identity and remains obsessed with the superhero.

He even creates the Spidey Tracker app to keep track of Spider-Man's sightings and movements. When MJ calls Spider-Man to their apartment after learning about his real identity, Ned gets excited after seeing the app detecting a nearby sighting, only to find Spider-Man standing right in front of him.

However, MJ still doesn't remember Peter Parker or the love they shared for each other by the end of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. But Ned shares quite an opposite moment with him at a bodega towards the end of the movie. During their secret handshake, Ned suddenly says, "Peter," leaving fans wondering whether he might have regained the memories of his best friend. However, the movie doesn't show whether Ned's memories have actually returned or not.

The actor also revealed that he never asked why he was chosen for the role of Ned. However, he believes the team liked the natural chemistry he shared with Tom Holland from their very first screen test, joking that he was probably hired because of the "vibes."

The actor also spoke about the support he received from the Marvel team, saying Amy Pascal and Kevin Feige were there to guide him throughout the process. And working on the Spider-Man movie spoiled him, as he assumed every movie set would be just as supportive.

Before appearing in the latest Spider-Man movie, Jacob Batalon appeared in The Wrecking Crew as Pika, released this year.