The big phrase for franchises when the Marvel Cinematic Universe became fully realized was “shared universe.” After the shared universe became a reality, suddenly, many properties within their rights had the opportunity to crossover with each other. Now, the concept of the multiverse has taken everything a bit further and found ways to integrate past performers in certain roles to return in their respective continuity to the new franchises. This has been, of course, demonstrated with the MCU films, Spider-Man: No Way Home and, to a degree, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Thomas Haden Church, known in the comic book movie community as Flint Marko aka Sandman from Spider-Man 3, got to return somewhat in No Way Home. According to Deadline, the actor spoke with ComicBook.com when promoting his new project, Twisted Metal, and he spoke about Sam Raimi’s possible resurgence of the original webhead series. Church reveals, “There’s always been some kind of…I’ve heard rumors…that Sam Raimi was going to do another [Spider-Man movie] with Tobey [Maguire] and if that happens, I would probably campaign to maybe at least do a cameo.”
After Maguire appeared in No Way Home, he expressed interest in possible future appearances if the MCU wanted to bring him back again as the older and wiser Peter Parker. Sam Raimi would also return to the superhero world with Multiverse of Madness and the famed Evil Dead director now feels he could maybe pick up where he left off with his franchise that started the millennium of the superhero.
Raimi has stated, “I’ve come to realize after making Doctor Strange that anything is possible, really anything in the Marvel universe, any team-ups. I love Tobey. I love Kirsten Dunst. I think all things are possible. I don’t really have a story or a plan. I don’t know if Marvel would be interested in that right now. I don’t know what their thoughts are about that. I haven’t really pursued that. But it sounds beautiful. Even if it wasn’t a Spider-Man movie, I’d love to work with Tobey again, in a different role.”
Thomas Haden Church can be seen in the upcoming series adaptation, Twisted Metal, on Peacock starting on July 27.