‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ has webbed in another young actor, 14-year-old Michael Barbieri has been cast as one of Peter Parker’s friends. Reportedly, this is not a character from the comics, but sources say his character is based on Ganke Lee, the best friend of the other Spider-Man, Miles Morales.
Ganke is Miles’ best (only) friend and serves as comic relief. He is a superhero fanboy and is noted for his “unwavering optimism,” which are traits that are expected to carry over to Barbieri’s character.
The new ‘Spider-Man’ features a younger teenage Peter Parker, played by youthful Tom Holland, who debuted in ‘Captain America: Civil War’. At 20, Holland is actually six years older than Barbieri, so we’ll have to wait and see how they look on screen together.
Barbieri appeared in the film festival award winning short ‘Killer’ and the nominated film ‘Little Men’. He is rapidly graduating to the realm of big budget blockbusters, though. In addition to ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’, he will portray Timmy in ‘The Dark Tower’.
Barbieri joins Holland, Marisa Tomei (Aunt May Parker), Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Zendaya (Michelle), Tony Revolori (Manuel), and Laura Harrier in an undisclosed role. Michael Keaton was rumored to be in negotiations for a role, but was later reported to have dropped out, but some sources are reporting that he still may be in talks.
The new film will be directed by Jon Watts, who made his name on indie films, so working with actors like Barbieri and Revolori may be a perfect fit. Watts has also stated that he has drawn inspiration from John Hughes’ teen comedies so this young cast could work in that regard as well.
Production on this film was expected to begin this month for a release in July of next year.
Are you excited about a John Hughes-esque take on ‘Spider-Man’?
‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ directed by Jon Watts, starring Tom Holland, Marisa Tomei, Zendaya, Laura Harrier, Tony Revolori and hopefully Michael Keaton will hit theaters on July 7, 2017.
Source: Screen Rant
