Doctor Octopus Star Addresses Possible MCU Return, 5 Years After Spider-Man: No Way Home

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Even twenty years after it came out, Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 is widely considered the best big-screen version of the Spider-Man story. A big reason for this is Alfred Molina’s performance as Dr. Otto Octavius (Doc Ock), which gave the film real emotional weight. When he reprised the role in Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021, Molina reminded audiences why Doc Ock is such a memorable villain. Now that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is built around the idea of the multiverse, fans are hoping we might see Molina’s version of Otto Octavius again. The actor has now shared his thoughts on the possibility.

Alfred Molina recently shared with Variety that when he signed on to play Doc Ock in Spider-Man 2 back in 2004, his contract included an option for three movies. He recalled that the contract stated Marvel could bring him back for future films if they chose to. After filming the scene where his character, Doc Ock, seemingly dies, Molina assumed that part of the contract was over. However, Avi Arad, then head of Marvel, jokingly pointed out that no one really stays dead in the Marvel Universe. Molina thought that meant he might return someday, but he never expected it would take 17 years.

I remember telling Amy Pascal when they asked me to reprise my role, ‘I’m showing my age – I have wrinkles and a double chin!’ But director Jon Watts assured me they could address those things with visual effects. It was a lot of fun being in No Way Home. As for the future, I’m not sure what will happen. I think Doc Ock might just have to remain part of the villains’ lineup, but I would absolutely return if they asked me to. However, I don’t expect they will. So far, no one has contacted me about it, despite my willingness to come back.

Doc Ock Is Still Part of the MCU

In Spider-Man: No Way Home, fixing the chip in Otto Octavius’s neck freed him from the control of his mechanical arms. After the repair, the version of Otto from the Sam Raimi Spider-Man films returned to his own universe, wanting to make amends for his past actions. It’s not surprising that actor Sir Ben Kingsley’s Doc Ock story seems finished, as his arc has reached a natural conclusion. Now that Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is starting a new direction with Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the studio is focused on introducing new villains instead of continuing the multiversal plot.

While the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s animated series is building up Doc Ock as a key character, the first season of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man introduced Otto Octavius (voiced by Hugh Dancy) as a recurring figure without having him directly battle Peter Parker (voiced by Hudson Thames). Instead, the show established him as a scientist selling technology to other villains. According to showrunner Jeff Trammell, this was intentional, saving the full Doc Ock versus Spider-Man conflict for the second season. Set to premiere on Disney+ in Fall 2026, Season 2 will feature Doc Ock as a major antagonist, and promotional images have already given fans a look at his new design.

Looking ahead, Avengers: Secret Wars is set to significantly reshape the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While not a complete restart, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has stated the film will establish a single, unified timeline. He also hinted that beloved characters might be played by different actors in the future, similar to how James Bond and Superman have been consistently recast over the years. This opens the door for fresh takes on classic villains like Doctor Octopus after Secret Wars, potentially leading to a new on-screen portrayal of the character.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 31, 2026.

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2026-05-25 15:12