Alfred Molina Talks About Returning to Play Doc Ock in SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME and the Character's MCU Future

Alfred Molina was an inspired choice for the role of Doc Ock in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 (2004). Known best for his dramatic roles on screen and on stage, the Emmy and Tony nominee took on the role in a manner that elevated it to one of the best in comic book movie history.

While he originally signed a three picture deal for the character, Molina believed he was done at the end of Spider-Man 2 when Doc Ock sacrificed himself to save Peter Parker and New York. But we all know that wasn’t the end of the character, as he returned in the 2021 blockbuster hit Spider-Man: No Way Home.

When talking to Variety about the actor’s recent projects, Molina was asked if the door is still open to him reprising his iconic Marvel role in a future Spider-Man movie. He responded:

"Who knows? When I did 'Spider-Man 2' for Sam Raimi back in 2004, I remember at the time they had me on a three-movie option. The contract said that should they choose to renew that option, they had the right to bring me back.

“When I shot the scene where Octavius dies and sacrifices himself, I said to the producers, 'Well, I guess my option is null and void.' But Avi Arad, who was running Marvel at the time, said, 'Well, no one really dies in this universe.' So I thought, 'Oh, OK,' but I didn’t think it would be 17 years before I did it again.

“Then, when they asked me to come back, I remember saying to Amy Pascal, 'I’ve got crow’s feet. I’ve got a double chin. I’m not a youngster anymore,' and the director, Jon Watts, said, 'Don’t worry, we can fix all of that with technology.' So I jumped in, and 'No Way Home' was great fun.

“Now if it comes up, I don’t know what the future holds," Molina continued. "I think we might have to just leave Doc Ock in a nice, prominent place in the rogues’ gallery of villains, but honestly, if they came knocking on my door and said we’d love you to do it again, I would do it again, no doubt. I doubt if it’ll happen, though."

I don’t know if we will get the chance to see Alfred Molina back in the role of Doc Ock, but he certainly made his mark on the comic movie universe, and he will always be remembered for the incredible portrayal. Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into theaters on July 31st.