Spider-Man: Tom Holland Admits He Loves Working With Doc Ock Actor Alfred Molina

By Russ Milheim Updated:
Spider-Man, Doc Ock, Tom Holland

Spider-Man: No Way Home is easily the most anticipated Spider-Man movie to ever exist, which is saying something. The character himself has always brought excitement and attention but never to this level.

Its first record-shattering trailer gave a glimpse into Peter Parker's now-exposed life after Mysterio's frame job made him public enemy number one.

Not only that but it gave everyone the first glimpse of Alfred Molina's Doc Ock, a role he hasn't been in for nearly two decades now. To say that people were hyped would be an understatement.

That excitement is something that even the film's star, Tom Holland, shared when filming the movie.

Alfred Molina Learned the MCU’s Ropes

Alfred Molina Spider-Man
Marvel/Sony

While talking to Entertainment Weekly, Spider-Man actor Tom Holland commented on his time meeting Alfred Molina, who plays Doc Ock in Spider-Man: No Way Home, a role which originated in Spider-Man 2.

Holland called the actor "one of my favorite people I've ever worked with."

The Spider-Man actor also mentioned how fun it was to watch Molina adapt to the differences in playing the character with all of the changes in technology since he last played him in 2004. Holland cited how it was "really fun to watch him" and that it "was quite cool to see him relive it:"

"It was really fun to watch him see how technology has advanced... when he was making these films, the arms were puppets, and when we did it, they were all imaginary and CG. It was quite cool to see him relive it, but also relearn it."

Doc Ock is Back for Spider-Man

One has to wonder how such a big change in technology would have affected Molina's performance. Having practical elements changes matters for actors, and having to completely rely on their imagination is an entirely different thing.

Though, with how excited Molina is about his return, the actor probably had a great time being able to bring the villain alive in a brand-new way. He was also among the first to talk publically about the movie even if Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige didn't want him to.

For years now, when someone would list their favorite live-action Spider-Man villain, the first name on many's lips was Alfred Molina's Doc Ock. He absolutely crushed the role and became a legend in the genre.

It's certainly been an experience seeing even the smallest of glimpses of the character in the film. It's hard to imagine what it will be like when everyone actually gets to watch the film.

Take this hype, and now imagine it tenfold; so many other villains are rumored to make their return, just like Molina. The biggest of those coming back to the franchise is reportedly Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin, whose reemergence may rival that of Doc Ock's.

It's only a few more months until December 17 is finally here, and fans can experience what is likely to be the most insane outing that the webhead has ever had then.

- In This Article: Spider-Man: No Way Home
Release Date
December 17, 2021
Platform
Theaters
- About The Author: Russ Milheim
Russ Milheim is the Industry Relations Coordinator at The Direct. On top of utilizing his expertise on the many corners of today’s entertainment to cover the latest news and theories, he establishes and maintains communication and relations between the outlet and the many studio and talent representatives.