Ever since Marvel and Sony reached an agreement that they would share the cinematic rights to Spider-Man, many wondered who would be cast as the fast-talking web-slinger for the next series of films. After months of rumors, it has finally been confirmed that Tom Holland, a relatively unknown 19-year-old English actor whose acting credits include The Impossible and Billy Elliot the Musical, has been cast as Spider-Man/Peter Parker. In addition to Holland’s casting, the equally unknown Jon Watts (Clown) will serve as the director for the 2017 Spider-Man film.
According to Marvel.com, both Marvel and Sony Pictures spent a considerable amount of time deciding as to who would portray the next Spider-Man for the foreseeable future. Producers Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal were impressed by Holland’s work and apparently met with Watts on multiple occasions. Feige himself has praised Watts, believing that bringing in relatively fresh talent has been a key to Marvel’s overwhelming success.
“As with James Gunn, Joss Whedon, and the Russo brothers, we love finding new and exciting voices to bring these characters to life. We spent a lot of time with Jon and find his take and work inspiring.”
Pascal also voiced her excitement over the casting of Holland, saying that the young actor is more than up to the task of playing Marvel’s most beloved superhero.
“Sony, Marvel, Kevin and I all knew that for Peter Parker, we had to find a vibrant, talented young actor capable of embodying one of the most well-known characters in the world. With Tom, we’ve found the perfect actor to bring Spider-Man’s story into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
I’ll be completely honest; I have no idea who Tom Holland or Jon Watts are, and looking at the underwhelming reactions online, it’s seems that nobody else does either. That’s not to say I’m disappointed by the news. It’s exciting to know that we finally have a new actor playing Spider-Man and a director already lined-up to helm the first installment in the second cinematic reboot of the character. As many of us know, Marvel has had a fantastic reputation when it comes to casting relatively unknown talent. Both Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston were only known in their respective countries of Australia and the United Kingdom, but thanks to their performances in the Thor and The Avengers, they’ve become household names. Additionally, Anthony and Joe Russo, previously known only for their work on Community and You, Me and Dupree, have since become Marvel’s golden-boys, having directed Captain America: The Winter Soldier, arguably the best Marvel movie.
Though many people wanted a more recognizable actor such as Asa Butterfield to take on the role, it’s important to note that Marvel and Sony obviously found something that they really liked in Holland. The fact that they picked him over actors who people actually know can be interpreted as a sign that this kid has some serious talent and is the best person to play Spider-Man on the silver-screen.
What about you reader? Do you like the casting of Holland as Spider-Man? What about Watts as director? Let us know in the comments below!
