Last week, we heard a new rumor that saysTom Holland’sSpider-Manhas been active as asuperherofor over a year when we first meet him inCaptain America: Civil War. DirectorJon Wattshas now gone on record confirming thewall-crawler’s specific age when we pick back up with him in the 2017 reboot. Speaking with Empire Magazine via Yahoo, the filmmaker also went onto say more about the iconic Marvel superhero’s origin, and explains why he thinksTom Hollandis the perfectPeter Parker.
When Peter Parker enters the frame inMarvel and Sony’s 2017 reboot, he will be 15 years-old. That puts him at 14 years-old when we first meet him inCaptain America: Civil War. And if we’re to believe the recent rumors about the storyline of both films, this timeline sees Peter having been bit by the radioactive spider when he was just 13 years-old. We’ll be quite far removed from Spider-Man’s root origins by the time he steps on screen to face off againstCaptain Americain what is being called one of the greatest, geekiest fights to ever happen in the genre. About skipping out on how Peter first used his new-found skills to become a wrestler, and subsequently got his Uncle Been killed,Jon Wattssimply stated the following.
“There are only so many times you’re able to kill Uncle Ben.”
It has long been known that the new Spider-Man movie would not include Peter Parker’s superhero beginnings. It’s an oft told story that Marvel head-honchoKevin Feigewanted to avoid at all costs. Especially since it has already been told twice on the big screen in the short span of 15 years. Not to mention, as 2004’sSpider-Man 2and 2007’sSpider-Man 3proved, this bit of comic book folklore can be succinctly set up in an opening credit sequence. Not only is Sony and Marvel waxing over the superhero set-up for Parker, the overall film will have a decidedly different tone than what we’ve seen come before it. SaysJon Watts.
“I love the idea of making a coming-of-age high-school movie. We’re really going to see Peter Parker in high school and get deeper into that side of it. He’s just 15 now.”
Tom Hollandwas 19 years-old when he played the 14 year-old Peter Parker inCaptain America: Civil War. He’ll be in his twenties when the new movie starts filming next year. But he was chosen for his boyish good looks, and charming personality. He’ll be able to play a high schooler for a few more years to come. In fact,Jon Wattsdoesn’t think anyone else could have pulled off the job, saying he was the best choice. Why does the director think so?
“Tom was pretty perfect. He’s very athletic. He can actually do a backflip! If he didn’t already capture the spirit of the character, with that on top the kid is Spider-Man.”
Spider-Man will be the first big studio blockbuster for directorJon Watts. He made his directorial debut this summer with the indieCop Car, which proved his astonishing ability to work with young actors while pulling a lot of tension out of a subtle idea. WillTom Hollandbe able to top whatTobey MaguireandAndrew Garfielddid before him? We won’t have to wait long to find out, as he’ll appear inCaptain America: Civil Warnext May before taking on his own solo film. What do you think ofJon Watts' comments?
