‘What If…?’: Marvel’s Spider-Man Finally Mentions Uncle Ben’s Name

It only took five years!

Freshman Year What If Spider-Man Tom Holland Uncle Ben Marvel

The latest episode of Marvel Studios’ What If…? saw Spider-Man finally mentions Uncle Ben.

Spider-Man debuted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Captain America: Civil War. Since then he’s gone on to star in two Avengers films and two solo Spider-Man films, with a third on its way. While Tom Holland’s presence as Spider-Man has been felt on the screen for half a decade, the character has failed to mention Uncle Ben, his father-like figure who is integral to his moral compass. In a way, Tony Stark acted as a surrogate Uncle Ben for the MCU’s Peter. Fans have been patiently waiting for Marvel’s Spider-Man to mention the tragic father figure, and lo and behold, the latest episode of What If…? does just that.

Marvel’s What If…? takes place within the MCU, though it’s through the multiverse. Meaning that the characters we see in the animated series share the same DNA and lived experiences as our favorite live-action characters, except this is just an alternate (though still canonical) take on what could have happened. As so, Tom Holland doesn’t return to voice Peter Parker. Instead, Mad Men actor Hudson Thames lent his talents to voice the web-slinging New Yorker.

In a sullen speech, Spider-Man rattles off all of those who have inspired but also left him. He name drops Uncle Ben – the first time he has ever been mentioned in the MCU – and Tony Stark, alongside his parents.

The latest What If…? episode, which saw key Avengers turn into zombies, also featured Spider-Man turning down the opportunity to work with the Avengers. This is in line with the comics, which originally saw the character doing his own thing in the Big Apple before joining the ever-expanding superhero team.

Here is the synopsis for What If…?:

“Exploring pivotal moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and turning them on their head, leading the audience into uncharted territory.”

What If…? features the voices of Josh Brolin, Natalie Portman, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd, Mark Ruffalo, Chadwick Boseman, Jeffrey Wright, Hayley Atwell, and other major stars from the MCU.

The first five episodes of What If…? are available to stream on Disney Plus. Stay tuned for all the latest news on the series, Spider-Man, and the rest of the MCU’s Phase 4, and be sure to subscribe to Heroic Hollywood’s YouTube channel for more original video content!