Ned Leeds is a fictional character from the Marvel Comics universe, primarily associated with the superhero Spider-Man. He first appeared in "The Amazing Spider-Man" #18 in 1964. Ned is often depicted as a friend and classmate of Peter Parker, the alter ego of Spider-Man. Over the years, he has been portrayed as a supportive character, providing comic relief and assistance to Peter in various storylines. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Ned Leeds is portrayed by actor Jacob Batalon. He is introduced in the film "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (2017) as Peter Parker's best friend. This version of Ned is characterized by his enthusiasm for technology and his loyalty to Peter, often helping him navigate the challenges of being a young superhero.