As more information about the next Spider-Man film becomes available, the likelihood of certain hypotheses coming true grows. It is widely assumed that Ned Leeds has the potential to transform into a Hobgoblin. But one issue remains unanswered for many fans: how will Ned Leeds become the Hobgoblin? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We have some intriguing hypotheses that might lead to Ned becoming Spider-Man’s arch nemesis, exactly like in the books.

Ned Leeds Becomes Hobgoblin
A Still of Ned Leeds from the comics as the Hobgoblin

Many storyline leaks in recent weeks have led straight to Ned being the Green Goblin’s protégé. Many characters have taken on the role of the Hobgoblin over the years. Ned Leeds was one of these names. Fans have been waiting for him to become the infamous Hobgoblin since his debut in the MCU in 2016. We have a hypothesis about how a high school student may transform into a classic villain.

Ned Become The Hobgoblin In The Comics
Ned Become The Hobgoblin In The Comics

Ned Leeds Being Peter Parker’s Best Friend:

Can Ned Become The MCU's Hobgoblin?
Can Ned Become The MCU’s Hobgoblin?

Until now, Ned Leeds was Peter Parker’s best buddy. His comic doppelganger, on the other hand, is a quite different individual. Ned is a journalist for the well-known Daily Bugler and the husband of Betty Brant in the comics. Leeds was not your typical evil character in the comics. Instead, the then-Hobgoblin duped him into committing a crime in his place. Ned Leeds turned nasty as the story progressed. However, simply stealing this plot from the comics would be too easy. Furthermore, the MCU’s Ned was a little too big for the part.

Artwork Of Ned As Hobgoblin
Artwork Of Ned As Hobgoblin

However, a new artwork revealed during the film’s promotion suggests a different tale. The artwork depicts Jacob Batalon’s Ned Leeds wearing the Hobgoblin’s famous orange hat. Furthermore, Batalon has dropped a significant amount of weight in the previous few years. And fans can’t help but wonder whether Marvel requested him to do so for his part as the Hob-G.

How Ned Leeds will become Hobgoblin?

How Ned Leeds will become Hobgoblin
How Ned Leeds will become Hobgoblin?

Even Ned from the comics wasn’t all that bad. He was tricked, and given that the MCU’s Ned is just a high school kid, duping him doesn’t seem like a big deal. But it may not have to come to that. We already know that the doors to the huge Multiverse will open in the forthcoming film, so the Ned who turned rogue may not be from the Tom Holland Spider-Man reality. Marvel can utilize the Multiverse in a million more ways to make Ned into a horrible guy, just like this.

1. NED STEALS GREEN GOBLIN’S GEAR AND SERUM:

A Pic Of Sam Raimi's Green Goblin
A Pic Of Sam Raimi’s Green Goblin

This hypothesis is derived from the original material. In the comics, after Norman Osborn, nicknamed Green Goblin, dies, Roderick Kingsley breaks into his lair and grabs the weaponry. Perhaps Ned Leeds from the MCU will do the same in the film. Alternatively, if you believe in the Variant hypothesis, Ned Leeds from another reality may come find the Green Goblin’s devices and use them to spread criminality in his world. In Spider-Man: No Way Home, he might be the one who breaks through the fence.

A Still Of Green Goblin's pumpkin bomb from Spider-Man: No Way Home
A Still Of Green Goblin’s pumpkin bomb from Spider-Man: No Way Home

However, there is a popular explanation that might explain Ned’s decision to go against his closest buddy. It might be because he has forgotten that Spider-Man and Peter Parker are the same person. According to the idea, Strange’s spell succeeded, and everyone, even Ned, forgets Peter is Spider-Man. After forgetting about this, Ned observes Spider-Man engaging in some shady activity that, in his opinion, is criminal. It might even be a personal matter. At the same time, he discovers the Green Goblin’s formula and employs it to prevent Spider-Man from doing any further harm. Because of J. Jonah Jameson, he may pick up an evil smell from Spider-Man. But, well, it’s only a hypothesis.

2. NED BECOMES HOBGOBLIN TO BECOME PETER’S SIDEKICK:

A Still Of Peter And Ned From Spider-Man: Homecoming
A Still Of Peter And Ned From Spider-Man: Homecoming

Ned has been asking Spider-Man to be his sidekick ever since he discovered that his best buddy is the friendly local Spider-Man. And now when the entire planet is in peril and Peter is alone, perhaps Ned took the Green Goblin’s equipment and recipe to aid him. This may appear to be very improbable, but given recent indications, it appears feasible. Willem Dafoe was replaced but did not appear in the trailer. Perhaps this is because he has a brief part and dies early in the film, leaving behind his devices. Ned takes the serum from his blood, duplicates it, and then applies it to himself. However, this does not necessarily imply that he lives the life of a hero. After all, the Hobgoblin is meant to be a villain. As a result, some terrible circumstances may lead to his becoming a villain.

Will the MCU Actually Change Jacob Batalon's Ned Into The Hobgoblin?
Will the MCU Actually Change Jacob Batalon’s Ned Into The Hobgoblin?

Despite being a villain, Jacob Batalon has always been and will continue to be a fan favorite as Ned Leeds. But do you think he’ll end up as the Hobgoblin, or do you have a different theory? Please leave your views in the comments area below. Till then we’ll see you in the next article, guys, but don’t forget to keep reading Animated Times, your one-stop destination for gaining a deeper peek into the entertainment business, new movies and TV shows, celebrity gossip, and much more. We’ve got you covered on all fronts. Continue reading Animated Times for more.

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