Martin Sheen Reflects on Iconic Uncle Ben Role in Spider-Man

LOS ANGELES, CA — Martin Sheen recently discussed his role as Uncle Ben in the 2012 film The Amazing Spider-Man during an appearance on Josh Horowitz‘s podcast. Sheen, known for his impressive acting career and numerous accolades, including three Emmy Awards, revealed that he had no idea how significant his character would be to audiences.

“I didn’t have a clue how important Uncle Ben was until I saw the audience’s reaction years later,” Sheen said. The actor reflected on his memorable performance alongside Andrew Garfield, who played the titular Spider-Man. Sheen admitted he had never seen any of the previous Spider-Man films or the character’s iconic status within popular culture.

During a recent commencement speech he delivered at a university in Los Angeles, Sheen recounted a moment when audience members erupted in laughter and applause at the mention of his role as Uncle Ben. “Oh my God, I thought, ‘What kind of universe are we living in?'” he recalled.

Sheen’s portrayal of Uncle Ben is recognized for its emotional depth, as the character serves as a moral guide for Peter Parker throughout the Spider-Man saga. The beloved character has been portrayed by various actors over the years, including Cliff Robertson in the original Spider-Man trilogy and Adam Scott in last year’s Madame Web.

In The Amazing Spider-Man, Sheen’s Uncle Ben tragically meets an untimely fate, but his impact on Peter Parker’s life is felt throughout the film and beyond. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe has incorporated references to Uncle Ben, he has not physically appeared in Tom Holland‘s Spider-Man films.

As the next installment of the franchise is set for release on July 31, 2026, many fans are speculating whether Uncle Ben will be included in flashbacks or mentions within the new storyline.