After the gut-wrenching finale of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Peter Parker sacrificed everything to save the world, fans were desperate for a silver lining. Spider-Man: Brand New Day finally delivered that glimmer of hope in its closing moments, and it all came down to a simple handshake between Peter and his best friend, Ned.
The scene has sparked endless debate among Marvel fans: Does Ned actually remember Peter? Or is it just muscle memory? Now, Jacob Batalon, the actor behind Ned, has shared his own interpretation, and it's as thoughtful as you'd expect.
What Did Jacob Batalon Say About the Handshake?
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Batalon admitted that even he doesn't have a definitive answer. He mused, "First and foremost, does Ned actually remember him, though? It seems a little open-ended. What if it's just muscle memory? What if he just remembers that handshake but nothing else about Peter? What if he just repeats Peter because that's what Peter says his name is in that moment?"
Batalon went on to say that he believes it's "really up to interpretation for everyone." But he also expressed hope: "I think it's a really cool little nod, so hopefully things happen from there. There could be a slight glint or little glimmer, if you will."
That glimmer is exactly what fans are clinging to. After Peter introduces himself as "Peter," Ned instinctively falls into their elaborate handshake—a ritual they perfected over years of friendship. Then, Ned quietly repeats Peter's name, leaving the door wide open for a potential memory recovery.
Why This Moment Matters So Much
For Peter, this handshake is more than just a greeting. It's a symbol of everything he lost when Doctor Strange's spell erased him from the world's memory. The fact that Ned's body remembers the routine—even if his mind doesn't—is a powerful emotional beat. And after the heartbreak of Peter's near-reunion with MJ, fans are desperate for a win.
Marvel clearly wants this moment to remain ambiguous, but Batalon's comments add a layer of hope. He's not saying Ned remembers, but he's not ruling it out either. That's enough for fans to start theorizing about what could come next.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day's Massive Success
Beyond the handshake, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been a box office juggernaut. It's already grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2026 and one of the biggest comic book movies ever. Critics have praised its grounded, character-driven approach, with many calling it one of Tom Holland's best performances as the web-slinger.
If you're looking for more Spider-Man content, check out how the film passed Iron Man 3 at the global box office. And for a deeper dive into the movie's themes, this analysis of Yelena's cameo is worth a read.
As for Ned and Peter's future, Batalon's hope is shared by fans everywhere. Whether it's a glimmer or a full memory return, one thing is certain: this handshake has cemented itself as one of the MCU's most iconic moments.
