The voice actor for Marvel's Spider-Man character Harry Osborn may have been recast for the upcoming PS5-exclusive sequel. Harry Osborn is a key character in Spider-Man lore, but was largely and surprisingly absent from Insomniac's Spider-Man game. That's likely to change in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, however, as Peter Parker's friend and inheritor of the Green Goblin mantle jumps into the main cast. That may mean leaving Osborn's original voice actor behind, though.
In Marvel's Spider-Man, Harry Osborn is largely absent. While his father Norman Osborne explains that Harry is in Europe overseeing Oscorp's international operations, he's actually been placed in stasis as he undergoes an experimental medical treatment. Harry has Oshtoran Syndrome, a rare and fatal disorder, and Norma oversees his son's treatment. Spoilers in both Marvel's Spider-Man and Miles Morales reveal Harry may be infected with the Venom symbiote, and that he's been woken up from his stasis.
With Harry Osborn's future in limbo, his voice actor has made clear a change is happening behind the scenes. Voice actor Scott Porter shared in a now-deleted tweet that he will not be returning for Marvel's Spider-Man 2. The reason why is that Insomniac is looking for a "photo real" voice actor for motion capture, like it used for Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Parker explains that the age difference between himself and Harry "was too much to overcome." He says that he's bummed, but understands.
Fans of the first Marvel's Spider-Man will recall that Insomniac recast the face model for Peter Parker while developing the game's remaster. In a markedly different decision, Insomniac kept Peter Parker's voice actor, Yuri Lowenthal. It was solely Parker's face actor that was replaced. It's unclear why Insomniac went a different direction with Harry Osborne, and while Porter says it's an age difference issue it could be more likely that the increased scope of the role led to a more popular voice actor being recruited.
Porter likely deleted the tweet due to worries over NDA'd information or the possibility of harming his partnership with Sony. Porter was also cast in God of War Ragnarok in the role of Heimdall, so he's clearly in good standing with Sony. Another possible reason is the heated atmosphere surrounding voice actor changes following the recent Bayonetta controversy.
It's never a good thing to see someone lose work, particularly during a time when voice actors are struggling with appropriate pay and compensation. Porter delivered a solid performance as Harry Osborn in Marvel's Spider-Man and Insomniac, for better or worse, appears to be moving in a new direction for Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Perhaps that's due to the need for a younger face actor, perhaps it's due to pay, or perhaps Harry Osborn becoming Green Goblin or Venom demands a change. Hopefully, Insomniac will share more information soon.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is in development for PS5.