Emma Stone spills the tea on Andrew Garfield's super-secret "Spider-Man: No Way Home" return and shares why she still hasn't seen the blockbuster!
TL;DR: Quick Takes on the Spidey Secret
- Emma Stone recently confirmed on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast that Andrew Garfield lied to her about his "Spider-Man: No Way Home" role.
- Garfield kept the multiverse secret under wraps, even from his ex-girlfriend and "Amazing Spider-Man" co-star, due to intense Marvel security.
- Despite the film's emotional nod to her character, Gwen Stacy, Stone admits she still hasn't watched "No Way Home" but plans to eventually.
If you're a Marvel fan, you know the drill: spoilers are public enemy number one. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is infamous for its Fort Knox-level security, especially when it comes to keeping big reveals under wraps. We've seen actors go to great lengths to avoid spilling the beans, but Andrew Garfield took it to another level entirely for "Spider-Man: No Way Home." His triumphant, multiversal return as Peter Parker was arguably the most anticipated (and well-kept) secret in recent superhero movie history. The big news now? He even lied to Emma Stone, his former co-star and ex-girlfriend, about it!
This week, the Oscar-winning actress, Emma Stone (who you know as Gwen Stacy from "The Amazing Spider-Man" films, and more recently for her incredible work in "Poor Things"), appeared on the popular "Happy Sad Confused" podcast with host Josh Horowitz. The conversation, of course, turned to that notorious "No Way Home" fib, and Stone didn't hold back, confirming Garfield's stealthy operation.
Emma Stone's "What?! Oh, I Guess That Means No?" Moment

During her chat on the podcast, Emma Stone recalled the exact moment she confronted Andrew Garfield about the swirling rumors. You can almost picture her texting him, full of playful suspicion, only to be met with a stone-cold denial. "I asked him if he was going to be in that," Stone explained, "and he was like 'I don't know what you're talking about.' I was like 'What? Oh. I guess that means no?' But it wasn't no. It was yes... He kept it really close to the vest."
Her reaction perfectly captures the mix of confusion and eventual admiration many felt. It's one thing to keep a secret from fans and the press, but to mislead someone you're so close to? That's dedication! Stone even applauded his commitment, adding, "Good for him. He kept it really close to the vest."
"I asked him if he was going to be in that and he was like 'I don't know what you're talking about.' I was like 'What? Oh. I guess that means no?' But it wasn't no. It was yes... He kept it really close to the vest."
— Emma Stone on Andrew Garfield's "No Way Home" secretAndrew Garfield's Playful "You're a Jerk" Exchange with Emma

This isn't actually the first time we've heard about this hilarious exchange. Back in 2022, Andrew Garfield himself appeared on the very same "Happy Sad Confused" podcast and opened up about the immense pressure of keeping his return under wraps. He admitted to lying to almost everyone, including Stone. "Emma kept on texting me," Garfield recalled, "She was like, 'Are you in this new Spider-Man film?' And I was like, 'I don't know what you're talking about.' I kept it going, even with her."
He continued, "She was like, 'Shut up. Just tell me.' I'm like, 'I honestly don't know…' And then she saw it. She was like, 'You're a jerk.'" This lighthearted recounting truly highlights their enduring bond and shared sense of humor, despite the initial deception. It's a testament to how close they remained even after their romantic relationship ended.
The Unbreakable NDA: Why Marvel's Secrets Run So Deep

Why all the cloak and dagger, you ask? Marvel Studios is notorious for its strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and airtight security protocols. The surprise factor of seeing three different Spider-Men (Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland) unite on screen was crucial to the magic of "No Way Home." The studio knew that if that secret leaked, it would significantly dampen the theatrical experience for millions of fans worldwide. Just remember the eruption of cheers in theaters when Garfield and Maguire finally showed up – that reaction was worth all the secrecy.
Actors involved in major MCU projects are often given limited scripts, false scenes, or simply instructed to deny, deny, deny any rumors. It’s a huge responsibility, and Garfield clearly took it very seriously, even when it came to friends and family. This commitment to the cinematic experience is what made "Spider-Man: No Way Home" such a monumental event and continues to be a hallmark of the MCU's strategy.
From Co-Stars to Close Friends: Emma and Andrew's Enduring Bond

It's worth remembering that Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield's connection goes way back. They met on the set of "The Amazing Spider-Man" in 2011, where they played Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy, and quickly became a fan-favorite couple both on and off-screen. They dated for about four years before calling it quits in 2015. However, unlike many Hollywood exes, they've consistently shown immense respect and admiration for each other.
Garfield has spoken eloquently about their friendship in the past. In a 2017 interview, he told Vanity Fair, "We care about each other so much, and that's a given, that's kind of this unconditional thing. There's so much love between us and so much respect… I'm her biggest fan as an artist. It's been bliss to be able to watch her success and watch her bloom into the actress that she is. And it's been wonderful to have that kind of support for each other. It's nothing but a beautiful thing." Stone is now happily married to writer-director Dave McCary, with whom she has a four-year-old daughter, Louise Jean McCary. Andrew Garfield is reportedly dating actress Monica Barbaro, but their friendship clearly remains strong.
Why Emma Stone Still Hasn't Seen "Spider-Man: No Way Home"

Perhaps one of the most surprising revelations from Stone's interview is that she still hasn't seen "Spider-Man: No Way Home." Yes, you read that right! Despite the film being a massive global phenomenon and featuring her ex-boyfriend in a pivotal role, she hasn't gotten around to it yet. Her reason? It would be "very emotional."
"You know what? I actually haven't seen it. No. It would be very emotional I'm sure. But I heard it was fantastic. I will see it eventually," she confessed. It makes sense. For Stone, "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" ended tragically for her character, Gwen Stacy, and seeing Garfield's Peter Parker grapple with that loss and find a form of redemption in "No Way Home" would undoubtedly stir up a lot of feelings. It's a deeply personal connection to a character she brought to life, and watching that storyline evolve might simply require the right moment and mindset.
Gwen Stacy's Enduring Legacy and That Emotional "No Way Home" Scene
Even though Emma Stone's Gwen Stacy doesn't physically appear in "No Way Home" (she tragically died in "The Amazing Spider-Man 2"), her character plays a hugely significant emotional role. One of the most heartbreaking, yet ultimately redemptive, moments in "No Way Home" directly references Gwen's death. During the climactic battle, Zendaya's MJ falls from a great height, mirroring Gwen's fatal fall. Just as Tom Holland's Peter Parker is blocked, Andrew Garfield's Peter lunges forward, catching MJ and saving her in a way he couldn't save Gwen. The raw emotion on his face, the tears in his eyes, as he clutches MJ and lands safely, is a powerful callback for fans.
This scene offered a profound sense of closure for Garfield's iteration of Spider-Man, allowing him to symbolically heal from the trauma of losing Gwen. It's easy to see why watching this moment would be incredibly moving for Emma Stone, given her deep involvement in portraying Gwen and her relationship with Andrew. It’s a testament to the lasting impact of her character and the narrative threads that connect the various Spider-Man universes.
Will We See Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man Again? The Multiverse Possibilities
With "No Way Home" cracking open the multiverse, fans are constantly buzzing about the possibility of seeing Andrew Garfield (and Tobey Maguire) suit up again. The next two major "Avengers" films, "Avengers: Doomsday" (hitting theaters on December 18, 2026) and "Secret Wars" (following on December 17, 2027), are expected to delve deep into multiversal storylines. Naturally, many are hoping to see Garfield's Peter Parker join the fight once more.
While nothing has been officially confirmed (and Andrew Garfield has remained, unsurprisingly, cryptic about any future appearances), the door is certainly open. Beyond the Avengers films, Tom Holland's next solo outing, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," is slated for July 31, 2026. Whether Garfield's version of Spidey pops up there or in a larger multiversal team-up remains pure speculation for now, but the anticipation is definitely real!
Where to Catch "Spider-Man: No Way Home" and Disney+ Streaming InfoIf Emma Stone's revelations have made you eager to revisit "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (or, like her, finally watch it!), you might be wondering where it's streaming. As of the time of this article's writing (late 2025), "Spider-Man: No Way Home" is NOT available on Disney+ in most regions, despite being a Marvel property. This is due to complex distribution rights for the Spider-Man films, which are produced by Sony Pictures.
You can typically find "Spider-Man: No Way Home" available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. It also occasionally cycles through other subscription streaming services, so it's always worth checking your preferred platforms. For those interested in Disney+ for other MCU content, plans are currently available from $9.99 a month for the ad-supported tier. Starting October 21, 2025, that price increases to $11.99 a month. The ad-free plan is currently $15.99 a month, increasing to $18.99 a month on October 21, 2025, or you can opt for an annual ad-free subscription at $159.99 to save some cash.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions About This Spidey Story1. Where can I currently stream "Spider-Man: No Way Home"?
As of late 2025, "Spider-Man: No Way Home" is generally available for digital purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. It is not currently on Disney+ due to existing distribution agreements with Sony Pictures.
2. Is Emma Stone's character, Gwen Stacy, in "Spider-Man: No Way Home"?
While Emma Stone herself does not appear in "Spider-Man: No Way Home" as Gwen Stacy (her character died in "The Amazing Spider-Man 2"), Gwen's memory plays a significant emotional role. Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker saves MJ in a scene that directly references his failure to save Gwen, providing a powerful moment of closure for his character.
3. What is the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast?
"Happy Sad Confused" is a popular podcast hosted by Josh Horowitz, known for its in-depth interviews with actors, directors, and other prominent figures in the entertainment industry. It's a go-to source for behind-the-scenes stories and insights, often breaking news directly from the stars themselves.
4. Will Andrew Garfield or Tobey Maguire return in future MCU movies?
While there's no official confirmation, many fans hope to see Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire return in upcoming multiversal "Avengers" films like "Avengers: Doomsday" (December 18, 2026) and "Secret Wars" (December 17, 2027). The door has been left open for their characters to appear again.
Sources:
- CinemaBlend: "He Kept It Really Close To The Vest": Emma Stone Reacts To Andrew Garfield Lying To Her About Returning As Spider-Man In No Way Home
- Us Weekly: Emma Stone Can’t Get Over Andrew Garfield Lying to Her About Spider-Man: No Way Home Role
- The Wrap: Emma Stone Confirms Andrew Garfield Lied to Her About Being in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home,’ Admits She Hasn’t Seen It
- Just Jared: Emma Stone Confirms Andrew Garfield Lied to Her Regarding His ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Return
- Geo News: Emma Stone exposes Andrew Garfield's 'Spider Man' lie
- The News International: Emma Stone spills 'Spider-Man' secret Andrew Garfield kept from her
- Box Office Collection: Emma Stone Says Andrew Garfield Lied to Her About Spider-Man: No Way Home