Bella Ramsey, the Emmy-nominated star of HBO’s The Last of Us, has set the internet ablaze with a cheeky yet intriguing comment about joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a recent interview with Variety’s Marc Malkin at HBO’s Emmys nominees event, Ramsey was asked if they had reached out to their Last of Us co-star Pedro Pascal, who recently debuted as Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, about securing a role in the MCU. With a playful grin, Ramsey responded, “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.” This lighthearted remark has ignited a firestorm of reactions, blending curiosity, excitement, and skepticism among fans, while showcasing Ramsey’s rising star power and versatility.

At just 21, Ramsey has already carved out an impressive career. From their breakout role as the fierce Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones to their critically acclaimed portrayal of Ellie in The Last of Us, Ramsey has proven they can tackle complex, dynamic characters. Their comment about playing Spider-Man, while delivered with a tongue-in-cheek tone, highlights their ambition to explore new genres. Ramsey admitted to being a newcomer to superhero films, noting they only recently watched an Andrew Garfield Spider-Man movie, which they described as “incredible” and something they “loved.” This fresh perspective adds an element of intrigue—could a Marvel newbie like Ramsey bring a unique spin to the MCU’s ever-expanding roster?

The idea of Ramsey as Spider-Man is a long shot, given Tom Holland’s ongoing tenure as the web-slinger, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day currently in production for a July 2026 release. Yet, Ramsey’s comment taps into the MCU’s growing multiverse, where alternate versions of characters thrive. The Spider-Verse animated films, for instance, have introduced diverse Spider-People like Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, and Spider-Punk. Ramsey’s background in voice acting, notably as the titular character in Netflix’s Hilda, makes them a compelling candidate for an animated Spider-Person. Their ability to blend humor, vulnerability, and strength—evident in their portrayal of Ellie—could translate seamlessly into a character like Squirrel Girl, a fan-favorite suggested by Reddit users, with one fan stating, “Squirrel Girl, calling it now.”

Social media reactions to Ramsey’s claim have been a mixed bag, reflecting the polarized nature of fandoms. On X, some users embraced the humor, with one writing, “Do it. Make Bella Ramsey the next Spider-Man. It would be the funniest movie ever.” Others were less enthusiastic, arguing that Spider-Man’s traditional male identity makes Ramsey an unlikely fit. A post on X quipped, “If Bella Ramsey wants to play Spider-Man, then I must be The King of England.” Despite the pushback, Ramsey’s supporters highlight their acting prowess, pointing out that their non-binary identity and versatile performances make them a strong contender for a fresh Marvel role. The debate has fueled hashtags like #SaveSpiderMan, showing how Ramsey’s offhand remark has sparked a broader conversation about representation in superhero films.

Beyond Spider-Man, Ramsey’s comments reveal a deeper interest in collaborating with Pascal again. They pitched a dream project: “I think maybe like a heist movie where we’re robbing a bank together.” This idea, paired with their close bond with Pascal—evident in their lighthearted texts about missing each other in various cities—suggests a dynamic duo that could captivate audiences in a non-superhero context. With The Last of Us Season 2 earning 17 Emmy nominations and a third season slated for 2027, Ramsey’s star is only rising, making their MCU aspirations a tantalizing prospect.

While Ramsey’s Spider-Man claim may have been playful, it underscores their readiness to take on bold, unexpected roles. Marvel has a history of unconventional casting, from Robert Downey Jr.’s career-redefining turn as Iron Man to Chris Hemsworth’s comedic Thor. Ramsey’s talent and charisma could see them donning a new superhero mantle or even leading a bespoke character crafted for their unique energy. As the MCU continues to evolve, Ramsey’s name is one to watch, whether they’re swinging through New York or robbing banks with Pascal. Their blend of humor, heart, and ambition ensures they’re a force to be reckoned with, no matter the role.