In the sprawling, interconnected saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a hero’s journey can begin in the most unexpected places. It can start with a soldier being frozen in ice, a genius industrialist in a cave, or even a college student in a science lab. For Bella Ramsey, the Emmy-nominated star of HBO’s The Last of Us, that journey may have just begun with a simple, playful quip during a red-carpet interview. In a world accustomed to bold casting choices and multiverse-bending storylines, Ramsey has emerged as an unexpected yet intriguing candidate to don the iconic red-and-blue suit, sparking a fan campaign that is both passionate and divisive.

The viral spark for this movement ignited during a recent Variety interview at HBO’s Emmy nominees event. When asked about following their Last of Us co-star Pedro Pascal into the MCU, Ramsey, with a genuine grin, responded, “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 comment, made all the more compelling by Ramsey’s recent revelation that they had just watched Andrew Garfield’s The Amazing Spider-Man for the first time, was all it took. The internet, a place where whimsy and debate collide, seized the opportunity. What started as a joke has evolved into a full-fledged social media campaign, with hashtags, fan art, and impassioned arguments for and against the idea.

The notion of Ramsey as Spider-Man is far from the traditional casting mold, but the MCU has already laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and imaginative hero. Films like Spider-Man: No Way Home and the animated Spider-Verse franchise have shattered the idea that only one version of Spider-Man can exist. From the plucky Peter Parker to the fierce Spider-Gwen and the punk-rock Spider-Punk, the multiverse has made it clear that anyone can wear the mask. As one X user pointed out, the campaign is about more than just casting; it’s about a character who transcends traditional boundaries. This sentiment aligns with Stan Lee’s timeless vision that “anybody reading Spider-Man in any part of the world can imagine that they themselves are under the costume,” a concept that Ramsey’s casting would embody in a profound way.

At just 21, Ramsey’s acting credentials make them a compelling candidate for a fresh take on a young, rebellious hero. Their raw, emotional portrayal of Ellie in The Last of Us earned them two Emmy nominations and widespread critical acclaim. Before that, their role as the fierce and unyielding Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones showcased a rare ability to command the screen with both intensity and a hidden vulnerability. Fans on Reddit and X have drawn a direct line between these roles and the core identity of Spider-Man. As one user commented, “Spidey is a plucky teenager… maybe even the plucky teenager. That pretty much describes Ramsey’s Ellie.” This parallel suggests that Ramsey could bring a new kind of authenticity to a character often defined by their angst, their wit, and their quiet resilience against overwhelming odds.

However, the campaign has not been without significant controversy. The fan base is deeply divided, and the opposition is loud and vocal. According to Grok AI, approximately 60-65% of X users have expressed skepticism or outright opposition to Ramsey as Spider-Man, with some citing traditional expectations of the character. One user, under the hashtag #SaveSpiderMan, posted, “Because Bella Ramsey shouldn’t be Spider-Man, it’s ‘MAN’. Bella is a ‘GIRL’.” These comments reveal a deeply held attachment to the character’s long-established identity, a reluctance to see it reimagined for a new era. Other arguments center on Ramsey’s self-professed lack of experience with superhero films and a concern that their public identity might overshadow the character itself.

Yet, supporters of the campaign have a clear, unwavering response: the multiverse allows for endless possibilities. Why be limited to just Peter Parker when there is a whole Spider-Verse of heroes to choose from? Ramsey’s fans have put forward compelling arguments for her to play characters like Spider-Gwen, Silk, or even a brand-new Spider-Person created specifically to fit their unique strengths. This debate is a microcosm of a larger struggle within the superhero fandom: the tension between honoring the source material and adapting it to reflect a more diverse, modern world.

Beyond the Spider-Man debate, the campaign has also drawn attention to other potential MCU roles for Ramsey. Rumors have swirled about Marvel eyeing Ramsey for a “big role” in the upcoming X-Men reboot. With their ability to balance vulnerability with intense power, characters like Kitty Pryde and Rogue have frequently been mentioned as perfect fits. Ramsey’s knack for comedic timing has also made them a fan-favorite for the quirky and beloved Squirrel Girl (Doreen Green), whose unique humor and unconventional powers would be a perfect match for Ramsey’s charisma. As one fan on X noted, “Can Marvel hire Bella Ramsey to play Squirrel Girl and piss everyone off? I would honestly love to see it.”

The timing of Ramsey’s Spider-Man comment is particularly intriguing as the MCU is at a crossroads. With Spider-Man: Brand New Day set to release in July 2026, starring Tom Holland, the franchise is doubling down on its current iteration of Peter Parker. But the multiverse is a vast, open door, and Ramsey’s rising stardom makes them a prime candidate for a fresh take. Their recent comments about wanting to reunite with Pedro Pascal for a heist movie—“maybe like a heist movie where we’re robbing a bank together”—further highlight their playful chemistry, which could translate to a dynamic MCU team-up.

Social media platforms thrive on engaging, shareable content, and the Ramsey-as-Spider-Man campaign is tailor-made for viral discussions. The mix of Ramsey’s unexpected interest, the passionate fan reactions, and the MCU’s history of bold casting choices creates a perfect storm for clicks, shares, and debates. The sheer volume of online discussion has turned a lighthearted comment into a serious consideration, a testament to the power of a fan base to influence major entertainment decisions. Whether as Spider-Man, Squirrel Girl, or a brand-new hero, Ramsey’s potential MCU debut is a storyline worth watching.

For now, Ramsey remains focused on their Emmy-nominated role as Ellie and the upcoming The Last of Us Season 3, set for 2027. But the fan campaign for their Spider-Man casting continues to gain momentum, fueled by a mix of curiosity, admiration, and a desire to see the MCU take risks. Will Marvel hand Ramsey the web-shooters, or will they craft a new suit for this rising star? The debate is now in the hands of the studio, and their decision will define the future of the friendly neighborhood hero for years to come.