Spider-Man: No Way Home star Jacob Batalon reveals that he is not worried about being tied to his character of Ned Leeds. Batalon has starred as Peter Parker's best friend across each of the MCU's Spider-Man movies, which see Tom Holland at the helm. Alongside Zendaya, who plays MJ, the two best friends became an integral part of the story in Spider-Man: No Way Home as they aided the three Peters in their efforts to send a whole host of multiversal villains back to where they came from.

Batalon's Ned Leeds was first introduced into the MCU in Spider-Man: Homecoming, immediately becoming a fan favorite after giving himself the nickname "The Guy in the Chair," supporting Holland's Peter Parker from the sidelines as he got to grips with his new role as the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. For the most part, Ned's biggest role within the films came as being part of Peter's closest support system. However, Spider-Man: No Way Home teased a potentially exciting future for Ned, as his ability to use Doctor Strange's sling ring raised a number of questions as to whether Ned could actually harbour magical powers. Now, as he transitions into the next stage of his career with a new role on the horizon, Batalon has opened up about being tied to his most-recognizable character.

Related: Ned As Hobgoblin Could Be More Exciting Than Spider-Man 3's Returning Characters

Gearing up for his upcoming lead role in Syfy's Reginald the Vampire, Batalon sat down with THR to discuss this new project, as well as his role within Spider-Man: No Way Home. When asked directly if he was concerned about ongoing associations with the character of Ned Leeds, the actor shared that he feels as though this is often a shared experience for a lot of actors. Batalon admitted that he is "not really concerned," before sharing his appreciation for the role, calling it "such a great thing." Check out Batalon's quote below.

"I think that everyone sort of has the thing in their career where they feel like they’re pigeonholed into one thing. But, you know, the industry is a game, and you have to play the game in order to beat the game. So I’m not really concerned about that. I feel it is such a weird mindset to be like: “Oh, I hate being known for such a great thing.” It’s an actor’s ego thing."

Ned in Spider-Man Far From Home

Batalon has previously featured in a number of different projects outside of the MCU, but Reginald the Vampire will see the young star take on a role quite unlike his previous ones. In the interview, Batalon also discussed returning to the role of Ned, sharing that it would have to be "the right thing, done the right way" and that he wouldn't "do it just to do it." Ned Leeds has certainly established himself as a beloved character throughout his time in the MCU, with the star previously revealing that upon meeting Alfred Molina on the No Way Home set, the actor asked Batalon for an autograph for his step-daughter who was a big fan of his, much to Batalon's shock and confusion.

It is clear to see that Batalon is proud of his time as Ned Leeds and has no qualms about being associated with the character as he begins to take on new projects. Following the success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, many would certainly be keen to see Batalon return as Peter's sidekick, however its certainly understandable that the actor is shifting his focus to different projects, having now been in the role for almost five years. For now, with Reginald the Vampire looking to secure a summer release, there isn't long to go until Batalon is back on screens.

Next: All 11 Spider-Man Movies Releasing After Morbius

Source: THR

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