Spider-Man: No Way Home is the most anticipated Marvel film in some time thanks to the rumors that both Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire will suit up alongside Tom Holland as the titular web-slinger. If they are to return to their famous roles, then the possibilities for future storylines are plentiful as nobody knows what may happen next with these characters.
There's plenty of feasible options as to where their paths may take them in the following movies if they are to stick around in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Of course, it's also possible that each version of Spider-Man has a slightly darker fate to wrap up their stories. Fans would certainly hope to see more of these iterations of Spidey though.
Ben Reilly
The comics introduced a character called Ben Reilly, a clone of the original Peter Parker who took on the name inspired by his uncle. The character masqueraded as the Scarlet Spider, another web-slinging vigilante who would often team up with Peter Parker.
It's possible that either Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield's iteration of Peter could be stuck in the main MCU timeline. With a Parker already in existence, one could take up the identity of Ben Reilly and continue to fight crime as Scarlet Spider, in a departure from the comic book origin.
Red Team
There's plenty of fan theories surrounding the latest Spider-Man film, including regarding the costuming of the heroes. Of course, Tom Holland's Parker has become accustomed to wearing the Iron Spider costume, inspired by the Civil War era of Spider-Man's superhero existence.
In the source material, there is a group of clones known as Red Team, where all three wear the Iron Spider armor and operate as a unit. With 3 Spideys left in the timeline, perhaps the trio could become the Red Team, opening the door for a new, main iteration of Spider-Man that would involve a team of Spider-Men protecting New York City from crime.
Miles Morales
Miles Morales could very well be the next Spider-Man for the MCU, but Tom Holland's Peter Parker still seems a little young to be mentoring him though. Luckily, with two more web-heads on the scene, either one may actually act as a partner for Morales.
Whether it's both of them trying to work alongside one another to help out Miles, or perhaps a story that only involves one of them, this could be an intriguing way to continue on the narrative and evolution of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's characters, without forcing stories fans have already seen in such films as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Returning To Their Universes
There's one really simple solution at the end of the Multiversal journey as to what to do with these multiple Spider-Men. The answer is that they return to their own time streams if they still exist. There are multiple things that have to be resolved for each Spider-Man character, especially Andrew Garfield's iteration.
This puts the status quo back to normal but also opens the idea that they could one day return, or at the very least audiences may be able to see further stories set within their universes. It depends on whether Marvel Studios wishes to keep the Multiverse open to allow these actors, and their beloved takes on Peter Parker, to return.
Multiversal Wipe
The Multiverse is on the brink of collapse considering how out of control it seems to be, with multiple villains joining No Way Home alongside the meddling of Sylvie, Scarlet Witch, and Doctor Strange. That could result in the Multiverse getting completely wiped and rebooted.
If that is the case, then Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield might be written out of the MCU completely. On the other hand, they could be introduced as new characters, capping off their arcs nicely. If their universes were destroyed though, fans wouldn't be too happy as both Spider-Men have their devoted admirers.
Tragic Death
There's one instance that would have a more tragic conclusion for these characters than many other possible outcomes: either Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man could end up dying in battle. It would bring about a conclusive end to their stories while also increasing the stakes for No Way Home. Anyone can die, even a Spider-Man.
Marvel is unlikely to do this considering how upset fans may be at this. In addition, it would permanently close the door on future opportunities to bring these actors and characters back for another MCU movie. On the other hand, a heroic death like Tony Stark's would give further emotional levity to a picture that already appears to be brimming with complex narratives. It would also possibly satisfy both Garfield and Maguire, who have focused their energies on either starring in independent movies like Tick, Tick...Boom! or producing films like Brittany Runs a Marathon.
Living A Peaceful Life
With a Spider-Man already present in the main Earth timeline of the MCU, and the potential for these two alternate Peter Parkers to be stuck in another reality, it's possible that they finally get to live out a peaceful and conventional life.
They certainly deserve it considering everything they have been through and retirement puts them in an interesting position for future stories. It would cap off their arcs much in the same way as Captain America's, acting as a passing of the baton moment from one generation of heroes to the next.
Traveling Through The Multiverse
The Multiverse is open for exploration at the current stage and Doctor Strange is going to continue on that journey in his own feature film. Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's characters might be on that same path and join Strange.
That means continued appearances from these characters, as well as a resolution to any unresolved Spider-Man storylines that have yet to have a satisfying end. The Multiverse could teach these Spider-Men a lot about themselves and the decisions they made as heroes.
Science Teachers
Spider-Man's school might need watching over if Peter is to graduate as it has been home to the weird and the wonderful in the comics. The hero Silk might have already have come out of the institution and Spider-Man's origins can be traced there as well.
Maybe a natural place for the duo to work moving forward is at the school as science teachers. They could put their knowledge to good use while also secretly working alongside the next generation of heroes. Perhaps even characters like Ms. Marvel's Kamala Khan could transfer over and learn from the elder Spider-Men.
Mentors To New Spiders
The Multiverse will be home to so many other Spider-based heroes. Ghost-Spider, Spider-Ham, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-UK and Spider-Punk, are just some examples of the vigilantes out there ready to suit up and face off against the Green Goblin and other antagonists.
Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's Spider-Men have experiences that all of them can learn from. They may therefore be Multiverse hopping mentors, teaching the Spider heroes in every reality, perhaps setting them up for a big Spider-verse crossover down the line.