Masashi Kishimoto Reveals Why He Respects Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man

Superheroes have inspired manga creators for decades, and Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto is no exception. In a new Disney+ documentary about Spider-Man, Kishimoto revealed that Andrew Garfield is his favorite live-action Peter Parker and explained why his version left such a strong impression.

His answer wasn’t about flashy action scenes or powerful villains. Instead, Kishimoto praised Garfield’s Spider-Man for carrying the emotional weight of being a hero, something Naruto fans will instantly recognize from Naruto Uzumaki’s own journey. Kishimoto’s surprise appearance in the documentary comes as he collaborates closely with director Destin Daniel Cretton, who is helming both the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day and the live-action Naruto adaptation. Let us explore in detail.

Kishimoto Explains Why Garfield’s Spider-Man Stands Out

Disney+ recently released Generations: The Evolution of Spider-Man, a 27-minute documentary celebrating the history of Marvel’s most famous hero. Along with looking back at the Spider-Man movies starring Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland, the documentary also gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 31, 2026.

One of the biggest highlights is an interview with Masashi Kishimoto. During the documentary, the Naruto creator shared that he “absolutely loves The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” a movie that received mixed reviews when it was released in 2014.

Kishimoto said Garfield’s Peter Parker is the version that carries the heaviest burden of the famous idea that “with great power comes great responsibility.” In his eyes, Garfield’s Spider-Man spends every day trying to protect others while dealing with his own pain and personal losses.

That emotional struggle reaches its peak when Peter loses Gwen Stacy, one of the most heartbreaking moments in Spider-Man history. Even after that tragedy, he continues to fight for others, and that is what impressed Kishimoto the most.

The documentary also builds excitement for Spider-Man: Brand New Day by showing new behind-the-scenes footage of Tom Holland’s updated Spider-Man suit and teasing the next chapter of the Marvel hero.

Naruto And Spider-Man Share The Same Core Theme

Kishimoto’s comments make perfect sense when you look at Naruto. Like Peter Parker, Naruto Uzumaki spends most of his life carrying a burden that very few people can understand.

Naruto Uzumaki in Shippuden. | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Naruto grows up alone after becoming the host of the Nine-Tails. He is feared by his own village, yet he never gives up on protecting the same people who once rejected him. As the story continues, he takes on even greater responsibilities while trying to end the cycle of hatred in the ninja world.

Garfield’s Peter Parker follows a similar path. He loses people he loves, blames himself for their deaths, and still chooses to put on the Spider-Man suit every day. He never stops helping others, even when his own life is falling apart.

That idea has always been one of the biggest themes in Naruto. Both Naruto and Peter keep moving forward, not because life is easy, but because they believe protecting others is worth the pain.

Neither of them is born as the ideal hero. Instead, they slowly grow through failure, heartbreak, and sacrifice. They make painful mistakes, question themselves, and still choose to do what they believe is right. It is this emotional development, not just strength, that has made both Naruto and Spider-Man loved by many even after all these years.

Kishimoto’s admiration for Andrew Garfield shows that great heroes are remembered for more than their powers. What truly makes them special is their kindness, their determination, and their ability to keep going even after their hardest moments.

Now the big question: Do you agree with Masashi Kishimoto’s choice, or do you think another live-action Spider-Man best represents Peter Parker? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are both currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.