Sometimes, even close friends can keep secrets — especially when it comes to blockbuster movie surprises. Hollywood star Emma Stone recently shared a funny story about how her friend and former co-star, Andrew Garfield, completely fooled her about his return as Spider-Man in the Marvel film Spider-Man: No Way Home. During a lighthearted conversation on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Emma revealed that Andrew lied to her about being part of the movie, and she truly believed him at the time.
Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield share a special history. They first met while working together on The Amazing Spider-Man in 2012, where Emma played Gwen Stacy and Andrew played Peter Parker, the iconic web-slinging superhero. Their chemistry on-screen was so natural that fans immediately loved them as a pair. Off-screen, too, they became close friends and even dated for a few years before parting ways. Despite no longer being together, the two actors have always spoken highly of each other, showing mutual respect and care.
So, when the Marvel movie Spider-Man: No Way Home was in production, Emma, like many fans, wanted to know whether Andrew would make a surprise return as Spider-Man. The movie already had fans buzzing with rumors that multiple versions of Spider-Man — played by Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire, and Andrew Garfield — might appear together. However, Marvel Studios and the actors worked extremely hard to keep the secret under wraps.
Emma recalled on the podcast how she tried to get the truth out of Andrew. “I asked him if he was going to be in that,” she said. “And he was like, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’” At first, she believed him completely. “I was like, ‘What? Oh, I guess that means no, right?’ But it wasn’t no, it was yes.”

This moment shows just how well Andrew Garfield managed to protect one of Marvel’s biggest secrets. He didn’t even tell someone as close to him as Emma Stone. The surprise was so perfectly guarded that when fans finally saw him appear on the big screen, they erupted with joy. His return as Spider-Man alongside Tobey Maguire and Tom Holland was one of the most talked-about moments in movie history.
The host of the podcast, Josh Horowitz, mentioned to Emma that Andrew’s secrecy really showed his dedication to the role. She agreed and responded, “I know, good for him. He kept it really close to the vest.” Her tone carried both admiration and amusement. It was clear that Emma wasn’t angry; she actually found it impressive and funny that Andrew had managed to lie so convincingly for so long.
Andrew Garfield himself had earlier spoken about how he kept his appearance in No Way Home a secret. In another interview, he said that lying about it wasn’t easy, especially when his friends — including Emma — kept asking him directly. He explained that he didn’t want to spoil the magic for anyone, even for those close to him. When Emma finally found out the truth after watching the film, she jokingly called him “a jerk” for keeping her in the dark. Andrew found her reaction hilarious and admitted that he totally understood why she said that.
It’s rare in today’s world, filled with online spoilers and leaks, for a surprise of this scale to stay hidden. But Andrew Garfield proved his loyalty to the production and his fans by keeping the secret so well. For him, the goal was to make sure that audiences had a genuine, emotional reaction when the three Spider-Men finally appeared together on screen.
For Emma Stone, the revelation became a story she could laugh about later. Her friendship with Andrew remains warm and respectful, and her reaction shows that she understood why he did what he did. She appreciated his commitment to the film and even praised how well he managed to hide the truth. It’s moments like these that remind fans that even celebrities experience the same mix of curiosity, surprise, and amusement as everyone else.
Emma Stone’s honesty about being tricked by Andrew makes the story even more relatable. Who hasn’t had a friend hide a fun surprise before? It’s the kind of playful secret that makes friendships more interesting. Her light-hearted reaction also shows how mature and humorous she is when it comes to handling such moments.
Andrew Garfield’s return in Spider-Man: No Way Home became a fan-favorite moment, and his chemistry with both Tobey Maguire and Tom Holland created an emotional and nostalgic experience for viewers. The film united three generations of Spider-Man fans, and seeing them share the screen felt like a dream come true for millions. For Andrew, it was also a chance to revisit a character he deeply loved and to offer closure to his version of Spider-Man’s story.
Emma’s story adds an extra layer of charm to that entire experience. Knowing that she was just as surprised as the rest of the world when she saw Andrew on screen makes the event even more special. It shows how seriously the cast took the secrecy and how much effort they put into keeping the excitement alive for audiences.
At the end of the day, both Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield continue to shine in their own paths. Emma recently starred in several successful projects, earning praise for her powerful performances and versatility as an actress. Andrew, too, has been celebrated for his roles in both films and stage performances, showing his range and dedication as an actor. Their mutual admiration for each other remains visible, and fans love seeing how their friendship endures despite years apart and separate careers.
In Hollywood, where secrets often leak and surprises rarely last, this story of Emma and Andrew feels refreshing. It reminds everyone that some secrets are worth keeping — especially if they bring joy to millions when finally revealed. As Emma laughed about the whole situation, she showed not only her sense of humor but also her genuine affection for Andrew.
Andrew Garfield’s small lie might have fooled Emma Stone, but it also protected one of the most iconic movie surprises of recent years. And while Emma might have called him “a jerk” in jest, it’s clear that she admires his dedication and honesty toward his craft.

