Jacob Batalon is the guy who redefined the "best friend" trope for a generation of kids, and while he’s about to return to the big screen as Ned Leeds in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, he’s spent the last few years proving he can carry a project on his own. He’s transitioned from the "guy in the chair" to a leading man who can handle action, horror, and supernatural comedy without losing the relatability that made him a household name.
TL;DR: Jacob Batalon is moving far beyond his Marvel roots. While he’ll return as Ned in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, he’s already established himself as a lead in shows like Reginald the Vampire and genre films like Tarot. For parents, he’s a great entry point into "soft" horror and teen-centric action, representing a career path built on breaking stereotypes and staying grounded.
When Batalon first showed up in Spider-Man: Homecoming, he wasn't just another sidekick. He was the audience surrogate—the kid who was just as obsessed with superheroes as the people in the theater. That "Guy in the Chair" moment became a cultural touchstone because it gave kids a role that felt attainable and cool without needing a radioactive spider bite.
But as we look toward Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the stakes for his character have shifted. Following the memory-wipe ending of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Batalon is set to play a version of Ned who doesn't know Peter Parker is Spider-Man. From the early buzz and trailers, it looks like we’re going to see a more independent, perhaps even more serious side of Ned. For kids who grew up with the trilogy, watching Ned navigate a world where his best friend is a stranger is a heavy-hitting lesson in how relationships change, even if the movie wraps it in high-flying action.
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Outside of the MCU, Batalon has been busy making sure he isn't typecast for the next twenty years. His physical transformation over the last few years wasn't just a personal health choice; it was a career pivot. He’s moved into roles that require more physicality and leading-man energy.
Reginald the Vampire is the best example of this. It’s a supernatural comedy that flips the "beautiful vampire" trope on its head. Batalon plays an underdog who gets turned into a vampire in a world where everyone else is a "perfect" specimen. It’s a bit edgier than Marvel—think SYFY-level camp and some blood—but it’s a great watch for teens who like the "monster of the week" vibe without the crushing gloom of something like The Vampire Diaries.
He also dipped his toes into horror with Tarot. Let’s be real: the movie itself was a bit mid, leaning heavily on jump scares and standard horror tropes. But Batalon was the clear standout, bringing a level of charisma that usually isn't allowed in "teen slasher" ensemble casts. If your kid is starting to get curious about horror, Batalon’s filmography is a relatively safe path to follow.
Since the movie is still on the horizon, we’re leaning on production notes and the first teaser. The big question for parents (and their kids) is whether Ned Leeds will finally fulfill the comic book destiny of becoming the Hobgoblin.
In the comics, Ned has a much darker path, but the MCU has always played him as the heart of the story. Brand New Day is expected to bridge that gap. We’ll likely see Ned at MIT, living a life completely disconnected from the superhero chaos—until it inevitably finds him. It’s a great setup for talking to kids about "who you are when no one is watching." Is Ned still a hero if he doesn't remember being one?
Batalon is part of that core group—along with Tom Holland and Zendaya—who feel like "real people" to kids. They grew up on camera together, and their off-screen friendship (which you can see in every press tour) feels authentic.
In an industry that often tries to manufacture "relatability," Batalon actually has it. He’s open about his Filipino heritage, his journey with fitness, and his genuine love for the geek culture he portrays. For a kid who feels like they don't fit the "star quarterback" mold, Batalon is living proof that you can be the "Guy in the Chair" and still end up as the lead.
If your kid is hyped for the new Spider-Man or just finished a Reginald the Vampire binge, here are a few ways to dig a little deeper:
- The "Sidekick" Trap: Ask them if they think Ned is more interesting when he’s helping Peter or when he’s doing his own thing at MIT. It’s a good way to talk about independence and not losing yourself in a friend’s shadow.
- Breaking Stereotypes: Talk about how Batalon doesn't look like the "traditional" action star from twenty years ago. Why is it better that we have leads who look like him now?
- The Power of Loyalty: In the previous films, Ned’s biggest "power" was his loyalty. With the memory wipe in play, ask your kid what they think makes a "best friend" if you take the shared history away.
Q: Is Jacob Batalon's show Reginald the Vampire okay for middle schoolers? It’s rated TV-14. It has some gore and "vampire violence," but it’s mostly a comedy. If they’ve seen the MCU movies or something like Stranger Things, they can handle the intensity level here.
Q: Does Ned Leeds become a villain in the new Spider-Man movie? In the comics, Ned becomes the Hobgoblin, but the MCU hasn't confirmed this for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Based on the trailers, he seems more like a civilian trying to find his way, though the "villain turn" is a popular fan theory.
Q: What else can my kid watch if they like Jacob Batalon? Beyond the Spider-Man trilogy, he has a fun role in Let It Snow on Netflix, which is a much tamer, PG-rated holiday rom-com. It’s a good choice if you want to see his comedic timing without the vampires or superheroes.
Jacob Batalon is one of the few actors who has successfully navigated the "Marvel Machine" without letting it swallow his identity. He’s a versatile, talented lead who is teaching kids that you don't have to be the guy in the suit to be the most important person in the room. Whether he’s fighting vampires or helping Peter Parker save the multiverse, he’s always worth the watch.
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