“Best Spider-Man Ever”: Joseph Quinn’s Praise for Tom Holland Sparks Debate Among Fans

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has always been a breeding ground for passionate fan debates, and few topics ignite as much fervor as the question of who is the ultimate Spider-Man. With three iconic actors—Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland—having donned the red and blue suit in live-action films, fans have long championed their favorites. However, a recent comment by Joseph Quinn, the actor set to play Johnny Storm/Human Torch in the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has stirred the pot. During a promotional interview, Quinn boldly declared Tom Holland as the “best Spider-Man ever,” a statement that has thrilled Holland fans but left supporters of Maguire and Garfield reeling.

Quinn, known for his breakout role as Eddie Munson in Stranger Things, is no stranger to the spotlight. As he steps into the MCU as the fiery Human Torch, his comments about Spider-Man have drawn significant attention. In an interview with ComicBook.com, Quinn expressed his enthusiasm for a potential on-screen team-up with Holland’s Spider-Man, saying, “I’m down. That would be so cool. I think Tom Holland is the best Spider-Man ever. So I would love the opportunity to tell a story with him.” This statement, echoed in a separate conversation with DiscussingFilm where he reiterated, “Tom’s performance as Peter Parker, he’s the best Spider-Man ever,” has sparked a wave of reactions across social media platforms like X and beyond.

The declaration comes at a time when the MCU is gearing up for major releases, including The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25, 2025, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day in 2026. Quinn’s praise for Holland aligns with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige’s recent comments about a potential Johnny Storm-Peter Parker team-up, a nod to their beloved comic book friendship. In the comics, Spider-Man and the Human Torch share a dynamic rivalry-turned-friendship, famously teaming up against villains like Sandman in Marvel Team-Up #1 and even becoming roommates in FF #17. The prospect of seeing this relationship brought to life in the MCU has fans buzzing with excitement, but Quinn’s choice of Holland as the definitive Spider-Man has divided the fandom.

The debate over the best Spider-Man is as old as the franchise’s cinematic history. Tobey Maguire, who starred in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy from 2002 to 2007, is often hailed for his heartfelt portrayal of Peter Parker as a relatable everyman. His iconic scenes, like stopping a runaway train in Spider-Man 2, have cemented his place in superhero movie history. Andrew Garfield, who took over in The Amazing Spider-Man duology (2012-2014), brought a charismatic and emotionally nuanced take, with his chemistry with Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacy earning widespread praise. Tom Holland, the current MCU Spider-Man since 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, has won over audiences with his youthful energy and seamless integration into the broader MCU.

Quinn’s endorsement of Holland has not sat well with Maguire’s loyal fanbase. On platforms like X, fans expressed their disappointment, with one user posting, “Tobey Maguire will always be my Spider-Man. The first, the best films… in a time when we wasn’t saturated with comic book films.” Another commented, “Toby was the best Peter for sure!” The nostalgia for Maguire’s trilogy, particularly Spider-Man 2, which critics like Colin Covert of the Star Tribune called a “superior sequel,” runs deep. Meanwhile, Garfield fans have also pushed back, with some arguing, as sophomore Richard Liang did in a 2022 SJS Review piece, that Garfield’s comedic timing and romantic flair make him the superior Spider-Man.

Holland, however, has his defenders. His portrayal has been praised for capturing Peter Parker’s youthful exuberance and quick-witted humor, qualities that align closely with the comics. A Reddit user on r/moviecritic noted, “Tom’s movies are the ones I enjoy the most,” highlighting Holland’s ability to carry standalone films while thriving in team-up blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Holland himself has acknowledged the legacy of his predecessors, revealing in a The Hollywood Reporter interview that he shares a group chat called “The Spider-Boys” with Maguire and Garfield, where they bond over their shared experience as Spider-Men. This camaraderie, however, doesn’t soften the blow for fans who feel Quinn’s comment dismisses the contributions of Maguire and Garfield.

Quinn’s admiration for Holland may stem from more than just personal preference. The two actors share a unique connection: Quinn auditioned for the role of Spider-Man in the mid-2010s, a process Holland famously endured with eight auditions over five months before landing the part, as reported by SlashFilm. Quinn’s near-miss with the role gives him a personal perspective on Holland’s performance, and his comments may reflect respect for a fellow actor who clinched the coveted part. Additionally, Quinn’s role as Johnny Storm positions him to potentially share the screen with Holland, especially if Marvel adapts the Spider-Man-Human Torch dynamic from the comics.

Marvel boss Kevin Feige has fueled speculation about this partnership, recently teasing “more web-slinger partnerships” in the MCU. The idea of Holland’s Spider-Man teaming up with Quinn’s Human Torch is tantalizing, given their comic book history. In Marvel Team-Up #1, the duo battled Sandman, and their friendship evolved through moments of rivalry and camaraderie. While studio rights once made such a crossover difficult—Sony owns Spider-Man’s film rights, while Marvel gained access to the Fantastic Four in 2019 after acquiring 20th Century Fox—the current collaboration between Disney and Sony opens the door for this dream team-up.

The fervor over Quinn’s statement underscores the emotional investment fans have in Spider-Man. Each actor’s portrayal resonates differently, reflecting the character’s universal appeal. Maguire’s Spider-Man embodies the underdog spirit, Garfield’s the romantic hero, and Holland’s the modern, interconnected superhero. Quinn’s comment, while controversial, highlights the ongoing relevance of Spider-Man in pop culture. As The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Spider-Man: Brand New Day approach, the debate is likely