Move over Captain America. Out of the way Iron Man. There’s a new hero in town. Get ready for Spider-Man: Homecoming!
In just over a week, Spider-Man will land himself in Marvel’s cinematic universe proper with the release of Spider-Man: Homecoming. First appearing in Captain America: Civil War, Peter Parker is ready for his first standalone adventure in this new playground, and it looks incredible.
In a previous article I talked about the road his character has taken to get to this point, now I’m ready to dive in to some of the content that will hit theaters on July 7th.
All-Star Cast
Marvel has assembled an amazing line-up of actors for Spider-Man: Homecoming. First and foremost there’s Tom Holland, playing the 15 year old Peter Parker. This is a very new take on Parker as far as the big screen adaptations go, it’s the youngest iteration of the character yet. Previously portrayed in his later high school years, this will add to the story of a young man not only coming into his own, but figuring out what to do with his new-found super powers.
Going toe to toe with Spider-Man is a classic comic book enemy; The Vulture. The characters first film appearance is being played by no stranger to the super hero genre, none other than Michael Keaton. Vulture, aka Adrian Toomes, sports a winged suit made out of Chitauri technology, salvaged from the Battle of New York seen in The Avengers. The films director, Jon Watts, has stated his specific intentions behind the motivation of Toomes as a villain. Just as Parker was an ordinary person that stumbled across his powers, Adrian Toomes was just an average citizen as well. A victim of circumstance maybe? A man who will do what it takes for his family, even if it that means criminal action.
Aunt May this time is played by actress Marisa Tomei. A big change from before, having previously been portrayed by much older actors. Marisa as a much younger Aunt May will add a new dynamic the character. Another change to an integral role is found in Flash Thompson. Played by Tony Revolori, his part has been described as a more “rich, smug” bully as opposed to the traditional physical threat.
Michelle, friend and classmate to Parker, is played by a Disney alumni actress; Zendaya.
Harry Osborn has been the go to choice for close friend at Peter’s side for quite a while. Not this time around. His best friend, Ned, is being played by virtual newcomer Jacob Batalon. Ned’s character was written using various aspects of different characters from the Spider-Man comic archives. One of interest is Ned Leeds, who in the comics is one of the incarnations of the villain Hobgoblin.
Also playing an important role is the Iron Man himself; Tony Stark. Robert Downey Jr. is reprising his role, possibly in a mentor capacity for Peter. Having established a relationship in Civil War, he will play a large part in the hero that Peter becomes.
The Story So Far
Without going full spoiler, several aspects of the plot have been released so far.
This is the plot synopsis of off IMDB:
Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May, under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark, Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your freindly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened. – Written by Benett Sullivan
The film will mostly take place after the events of Civil War, but there will be some level of interconnectedness. Also unique to this version is that this is no origin story. Fans, and even non-fans, are at this point more than familiar with Peter Parker and how he became Spider-Man. No need to re-tread old ground, this film will drop everyone right into the middle of an ongoing story.
Noticeably absent from the story, and from any cast list, is any mention of Gwen Stacy or Mary Jane Watson. Both love interests from the comics, this film may or may not feature any teen romance or love story at all. Zendaya’s character is named Michelle, with no last name given yet. My guess is that it will be revealed that her middle initial is “J” and her last name Watson.
M.J. Watson.
I’m calling it now.
The big baddie of the film, Vulture, is going to be the antithesis of Spider-Man; using his abilities to take what he wants or needs. There is also a connection/rivalry between him and Tony Stark that will be fleshed out in the film, possibly explaining his turn to crime.
Also, in true comic book fashion, there will be multiple villains possibly teaming up to take down a mutual thorn in their sides. Rumored to be seen on screen are some iconic villains from Spider-Man’s large roster of bad guys. There are whispers of Shocker, Tinkerer and possibly the Prowler.
On The Horizon
Tom Holland’s contract involves several more Spidey films, the sequel already has a release date in 2019. He’ll also be appearing in upcoming Avengers movies like Infinity War, so he won’t be disappearing any time soon.
Spider-Man: Homecoming is a great springboard for this beloved character, fitting him squarely in with the pantheon of other Marvel comic greats. After some of the more recent and much darker films in this universe, Spider-Man: Homecoming will hopefully herald a return to fun and lighthearted adventures within.
Make sure to go see Spider-Man: Homecoming July 7th, 2017!
Mike Harris hails from the suburbs of Chicago and has been a fan for most of his life. Working as an industrial radiographer and raising a family with his wife take up most of his time, but there’s always room for Star Wars books and podcasts! Just looking to give back to Star Wars and the fan community, it’s been a source of fun and learning for him for so long.