English actor Tom Holland has been chosen to portray the web-slinging hero in the upcoming ‘Spider-Man’ movie, which will make its way to cinemas in July 2017.
As confirmed by Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios on Tuesday, the 19-year-old actor is set to play the teenage alter-ego Peter Parker as he spends his time in high school in the forthcoming movie that is yet to be given a final title.
He has also taken to social media and shared clips of him practicing his webslinging skills on Instagram.
After initial reports that Asa Butterfield has signed on to the upcoming ‘Spider-Man’ reboot, it was eventually confirmed that the ‘Ender’s Game’ actor is no longer being considered to take on the titular role for the highly anticipated film.
Although he was originally been rumored to have been the top contender to beat, it was reported that Holland, Charlie Plummer (‘Boardwalk Empire’) and Matthew Lintz (‘Pixels’) were the actors who had soared to the top of the list to become the new Spider-Man.
In the past ‘Spider-Man’ films, the role of Peter Parker was taken on by Toby Maguire and Andrew Garfield. However, during the years that they were portraying the friendly neighborhood hero, Spider-Man was not necessarily associated with the Avengers and the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Now, with Marvel Studios joining Sony Pictures in coming up with Spider-Man storylines, Holland is also expected to wear the spandex suit in the hero’s standalone films as well as in other upcoming Marvel movies.
Based on the movie deal announced in February, aside from Spider-Man appearing in future movies, the other Marvel characters, such as Iron Man, Thor and Captain America, can also be expected to appear in upcoming Spider-Man films.
Holland took on the role of Naomi Watt's son in the tsunami drama ‘The Impossible’ released in 2012 and recently made an appearance in the British television miniseries ‘Wolf Hall.’
Following a worldwide casting search, the young actor was chosen to appear in the next ‘Spider-Man’ film that will be helmed by Jon Watts.
"We saw many terrific young actors, but Tom's screen tests were special," Tom Rothman, the chairman of Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group, pointed out in an official statement.
The news of Marvel and Sony’s selection of Holland to portray the well-loved hero could let down certain fans who have been looking forward to a black actor portraying Spider-Man for the upcoming movie.
Holland is now expected to make his debut as Spider-Man in ‘Captain America: Civil War,’ which is scheduled for an official release on May 6, 2016.
