If you follow movie news (which I assume you do, as you were inclined to read this post), then you know Marvel Studios is introducing our new Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland, in Captain America: Civil War. Holland joins an already star-studded cast of superheroes for the film, which is headlined by Chris Evans and Robert Downey, Jr. playing Captain America and Iron Man respectively. What is still unclear is the amount of screen time the young Peter Parker will have as it was originally thought it would only be a cameo, but it was even unclear until now what that might entail. Enter Devin Faraci at Birth.Movies.Death, who suggests his appearance might be more than what we may have expected.
Faraci reports that while Holland will only be seen for a relatively small amount of time, Spider-Man will be featured in more than just a cameo. Due to the fact Spider-Man has his face concealed in his suit, it allows Marvel Studios the option of having stunt doubles play the character on set with voiceover done later in the process. Because of this trick, Holland was only needed for a short stint on set.
So, with that in our pocket, what can we expect to see from the Wallcrawler in Civil War? Apparently, it’s not just a quick cameo of him swinging across the screen. Among other scenes featuring Peter Parker, there will be a fight scene Faraci describes as, “…jockeying for a spot on the best superhero battles ever list.”
I know there are people who are already down on the idea of a new Spider-Man so soon after the last reboot attempt. However, the idea of introducing him in a big way in what is shaping up to be a huge ensemble film for Marvel (let’s be honest, this is essentially Avengers 3) sounds great.
Now, let’s not forget about that solo film coming in 2017. John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (Vacation, Horrible Bosses) were recently confirmed as writers for the film, and while promoting Vacation, were asked by Grantland about the next untitled Spider-Man film.
Hoping to end speculation that we’re in for another origin story, Goldstein says, “I think that everybody feels like: You know that he gets bitten by a spider, and you know that Uncle Ben died. We probably don’t need to revisit that.”
He also goes on to describe how Peter Parker is still a dorky teen:
We want to explore the fact that just because you get superpowers doesn’t really make you into a sophisticated, successful adult. He’s still a kid, and he’s clumsy, and he’s a geek, and he’s a bit of an outcast. And in many ways, the superpowers amplify that, and exacerbate his trying to fit in.
There are plenty out there that cringe at all this Spider-Man news. As a fan of the character, and a believer in Marvel Studios, I think there are bright days ahead for the Marvel icon.
Captain America: Civil War will be released May 6, 2016, followed by the untitled Spider-Man film on July 28, 2017.
