Ben Reilly Actor Uncertain About Beyond The Spider-Verse Return

Andy Samberg says he's "just waiting" to hear if he'll reprise his Scarlet Spider role.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After appearing as the humorous Ben Reilly/Scarlet Spider in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, actor Andy Samberg is uncertain about whether he'll return for the upcoming sequel Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. Samberg says he's "good friends" with the film's directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, but they haven't told him anything about his potential involvement in the next installment of the animated Spider-Verse trilogy.

Why it matters

Samberg's Ben Reilly was a standout character in Across the Spider-Verse, providing comedic relief as part of the Spider-Society. Fans are eager to see if the Scarlet Spider will return, especially given the recent confirmation that Nicolas Cage will be playing a different version of Ben Reilly in a live-action Spider-Noir series.

The details

In an interview, Samberg said he "truly knows nothing" about whether he'll be back as Ben Reilly in Beyond the Spider-Verse, though he expressed hope that he'll "have more in the next one." He noted that while he's close with directors Lord and Miller, "they haven't said anything" about his potential involvement in the sequel.

  • Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse is currently set for a June 18, 2027 release date.
  • Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, which featured Samberg's Ben Reilly, was released in 2023.

The players

Andy Samberg

The actor who voiced the character of Ben Reilly/Scarlet Spider in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller

The directors of the animated Spider-Verse trilogy, including Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and the upcoming Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.

Nicolas Cage

The actor who will be playing a different version of Ben Reilly, the Spider-Noir character, in an upcoming live-action series.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It seems like [Ben Reilly/Scarlet Spider] should [be back] based on how the last one ends, but I never count on anything in this business. [Laughs] But I would love that if it did. If they want me, I'm there for as much or as little as they need.”

— Andy Samberg (ScreenRant)

The takeaway

With the confirmation of a live-action Ben Reilly in the works and the uncertainty around Samberg's return, fans will have to wait and see if the comedic Scarlet Spider will be part of the climactic conclusion to the animated Spider-Verse trilogy.