As Marvel continues to expand its universe, its latest animated series, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, offers fans a fresh take on the iconic web-slinger. Voiced by Hudson Thames, the series dives into Peter Parker’s high school years, giving audiences a grounded look at the superhero’s formative experiences. But even before the show premiered on Disney+, Thames had some reservations about what the series would ultimately become.
In an interview with Collider, Thames opened up about his initial fears for the show, particularly regarding the use of the term “woke.” While the term itself has become a hot-button issue in recent years, particularly in entertainment, Thames shared that his biggest fear was that the series would become “annoying and woke.” His concern stemmed from the word’s negative connotations in current media, where it’s often used by critics to deride inclusive and socially conscious narratives. However, after reading the script and seeing the series come together, Thames was relieved to find that the show remained true to Spider-Man’s roots, focused on character depth and authentic storytelling.
A Fresh Take on Spider-Man’s Origins
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man takes viewers back to the heart of Peter Parker’s story, focusing on his life as a high school student. This version of Peter isn’t caught up in the multiverse or the larger-than-life stakes seen in recent Spider-Man films. Instead, it reverts to a simpler, more relatable portrayal of the web-slinger, one that feels more grounded in the reality of high school life.
Hudson Thames, known for his previous portrayal of Peter Parker in Marvel’s What If…?, found that this new direction gave him the freedom to explore the character without the pressure of following in the footsteps of Tom Holland’s live-action Spider-Man. Thames explained that while he was initially worried about how his portrayal would compare to Holland’s, the series allowed him to create a version of Peter Parker that felt more personal.
“It was really cool,” Thames said of voicing this version of Spider-Man. “It felt like a blank slate, and it was nice to be able to just be myself. It’s nice to play a character that feels real, and I felt like it was doing justice to Peter Parker’s roots.”
The “Woke” Debate: A Term Often Misunderstood
The term “woke” has been used for years to describe people who are socially aware and sensitive to issues of racial and social justice. However, in recent times, it has been weaponized by critics, particularly those on the right, to deride any form of inclusivity or diverse representation in media. For Thames, his fear was that Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man would fall victim to this overuse of “woke” messaging—something that would detract from the character’s classic charm.
“I thought it was awesome. I mean, my biggest fear was that it was gonna be annoying and woke, and it wasn’t,” Thames said. “It’s so well written, and it feels real. It felt like it was doing justice to high school life and really understanding what it’s like to be a kid in 2025.”
Despite his reservations, Thames found that the show manages to balance social issues with Peter Parker’s relatable struggles, bringing in modern-day elements while staying true to the essence of the character. The series is praised for dealing with issues such as growing up, dealing with responsibility, and finding one’s identity in a complex world—without becoming preachy or overly political.
This approach is a sharp contrast to some criticisms levied at other Disney products, where critics have accused the company of pushing certain political or social agendas. For Thames, the series strikes the right balance by acknowledging societal issues while maintaining its focus on Peter Parker’s journey as a hero.
Expanding Spider-Man’s Universe
One of the most exciting aspects of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is the introduction of new characters that haven’t been a central part of Spider-Man’s comic book history. While familiar faces like Norman and Harry Osborn appear in the series, new characters such as Nico, Pearl, and Lonnie play pivotal roles in Peter Parker’s life. This fresh spin on the Spider-Man mythos allows the series to explore new dynamics and relationships that haven’t been seen in previous iterations.
“I thought it was awesome,” Thames shared about the new characters. “We’ve seen Norman and Harry before, but the new additions to the Spider-Man world bring in fresh perspectives and experiences that really help the series feel different. I really liked how we reapproached Norman Osborn’s character, and I love the relationships that develop throughout the series.”
In particular, Thames highlighted his experience working with Colman Domingo, who voices a new version of Norman Osborn. The dynamic between Peter Parker and Norman is different in this series—more nuanced and layered, where the audience is left questioning whether Norman is a friend or a foe.
“I love Peter and Norman’s relationship in this show,” Thames said. “It’s reapproached in such a new way. You’re not sure if you love Norman the whole time. It’s cool, and we get to see a lot of familiar Marvel faces, which adds an extra layer of excitement for fans.”
What’s Next for Spider-Man: Venom, Thanos, and More
As Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man builds momentum and anticipation, fans are already thinking about what’s next for the web-slinger. With a season two potentially on the horizon, Thames shared his dream of seeing iconic characters like Venom and Thanos make appearances in future episodes.
“If I had to pick a Marvel character to appear in season two, I’d say Thanos!” Thames joked, referencing the infamous villain from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “But honestly, Venom would be really cool too.”
The possibility of seeing Venom in the series would certainly excite fans, especially considering the symbiote’s long history with Spider-Man in the comics. Given the multiverse setting of the show, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that such an iconic character could be woven into the narrative. With the show’s focus on reimagining the traditional Spider-Man story and introducing fresh concepts, the future of the series could hold all kinds of surprises.
What Makes This Spider-Man Different?
With so many portrayals of Spider-Man over the years, it’s natural for fans to wonder what sets this version of Peter Parker apart from the others. For Thames, the key to voicing Spider-Man is understanding the character’s humanity and the relatability of his struggles.
“Peter Parker is someone who can be anyone,” Thames explained. “What makes Spider-Man so special is that he’s someone who deals with real-life issues, even though he’s a superhero. It’s about the human side of things—the responsibility, the pressure, the relationships. That’s what makes Spider-Man relatable to so many people.”
For Thames, stepping into Peter Parker’s shoes was about capturing that essence of humanity—something that fans can connect with. He also highlighted how the series retains a sense of fun, which is integral to the Spider-Man character. Even though Peter faces real challenges, he’s still the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man who brings hope and humor to those around him.
Life is Good, and It’s Always Going to Work Out
As the first season of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man unfolds, Thames wants fans to remember the core message of the show: life may be tough, but it always works out in the end. Despite the ups and downs that Peter Parker faces, he maintains an unwavering belief in the goodness of life and the importance of never giving up.
“I want fans to know that Peter Parker believes that life is good, and it’s always going to work out,” Thames said. “That’s one of the biggest things about Spider-Man—he never loses hope, no matter how difficult things get.”
As the show makes its debut on Disney+ on January 29, Thames hopes that fans will enjoy the ride, the surprises, and the Easter eggs that come with it. Whether it’s the heartfelt moments or the action-packed sequences, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man promises to be a fun and emotional adventure that fans of all ages can enjoy.
