Andrew Garfield’s First Spider-Man: No Way Home Stunt Took an Unexpected Turn
Andrew Garfield seems to be in a good place when reflecting on his time as Spider-Man. He succeeded Tobey Maguire in the role, stepping into the superhero’s web-slinging shoes after Maguire’s tenure in Sam Raimi’s trilogy. While “The Amazing Spider-Man” films garnered their fair share of fans, they ultimately didn’t reach the heights expected. Luckily, Garfield found redemption in the blockbuster “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” released in 2021, which delighted audiences and raked in over $1.9 billion globally.
However, amid the excitement, Garfield faced challenges, particularly when it came to his physical performance. In a recent GQ interview, he opened up about the stunts he attempted for “No Way Home,” highlighting the different physical demands placed on him compared to when he first played Spider-Man. Garfield, who had remained reasonably fit since his last appearance, found that age caught up with him during filming.
“I had tackled many stunts during my initial two films, and I was eager to dive back into it,” Garfield recounted. “But on the first stunt, I threw my back out on the very first take. Despite that, I pushed through and tried it three or four more times, which led to a recovery period of about six or seven months. It turns out, stretching is crucial before doing these kinds of things.”
When Garfield first donned the Spider-Man suit, he was in his early 30s. Fast forward to filming with Tom Holland and Maguire, and he was nearing 40—a reality that impacted his body significantly. Thankfully, his hard work was rewarded since “Spider-Man: No Way Home” not only revived his legacy as the web-slinger but also turned into one of the highest-grossing films ever.
What’s fascinating is how the filmmakers embraced the aspect of aging in the story. Garfield mentioned a particular scene where he cracks Tobey’s back, which was less about scripted dialogue and more about their real-life experiences. “We had discussions with Jon Watts, the director, about the dynamic between our characters now that we’re older and how to portray that in a humorous yet authentic manner,” he explained.
Garfield’s journey as Spider-Man previously held a sense of tragic weight in Hollywood, but this film shifted that narrative. It was not just a physical struggle; it was also a period of healing for the actors involved, who found a sense of camaraderie. “Doing this together provided a therapeutic experience for us. It felt lighter for all three of us. We shared our individual challenges, almost like a Spider-Man support group,” he reflected.
As for whether Garfield will return to the role in the future, that remains uncertain. While “Spider-Man 4” is in the works, he has expressed interest in reprising his role, albeit with a caveat. If he does put the suit back on, it’s likely he’ll take a moment to stretch before jumping into action again. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is available on various platforms for viewing or purchase.