We got a chance to attend the “Spider-man: Homecoming” NYC press conference with the cast and hear their stories on filming and joining such a legendary franchise.
Spider-man: Homecoming is undoubtedly the summer blockbuster everyone needs to see. One reason for that is the truly amazing cast that Marvel has assembled, including Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr., Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Tony Revolori, Jacob Batalon and of course, Tom Holland. Hollywood and comic book veterans like Michael Keaton and Robert Downey Jr. reminisced and compared their roles to ones they’ve played in the past, especially Keaton, who played Vulture in this film, played a similar fake superhero “Birdman” in the Oscar winning film of the same name a few years ago as well as being Batman himself in decades past. Robert Downey Jr. spoke about being and accepting his role as the godfather of the MCU. In addition to that, we got to hear Tom, Jacob, and Tony tell their stories of all the hijinks they ran into and created on and off set. Also on the panel were the real stars of the MCU, producers Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal who oversaw and created this universe and catalogue of films that the world itself has come to love. Check out the highlights below:
How excited are you to bring Spider-man into the MCU?
Kevin Feige: It was one of a handful of “this will never be possible but let’s dream about it moments” in Marvel studios… It’s incredible.
Amy Pascal: It is incredible. It started as a lunch between me and Kevin, and here we are.
Jon Watts, the biggest questions for the film was to not only make a fresh standalone movie but to make one that does fit into the MCU and does capture a unique tone that is delightful and hilarious. What were some of the challenges?
Jon Watts: Well I just try to approach it as the biggest fan possible and the opportunity to finally put Spider-Man where he belongs in the Marvel universe, really just opened so many doors to all of the new kinds of stories we could tell. So if anything I felt like we were being as true as possible as anyone has ever been about Spider-man.
With great power comes great responsible. What kind of responsibility did you feel playing a character that so many people love?
Tom Holland: I think the thing that I had to remind myself most when I took on this character was that Tobey Maguire’s Spider-man had such a huge impact on me as a kid. He was my role model growing up, he was my favorite character. So I had to remind myself that I’m going to have that same impact on kids of the younger generation. I really wanted to do them proud and be a solid role model for them to make a fresh version of the character we know and love.
Robert Downey Jr., you are like the godfather of the MCU. How do you feel about the way the MCU has evolved but expanded to now include the likes of Spider-man.
Robert Downey Jr: Well firstly, I’m stoked that they got my memo to design the screening room like a Miami Dolphins jersey. But, Amy and them had done these iterations of Spider-man previous and they really should do one of those breakdown, easy to read books about all the miracles that had to had to happen for us to be here today. This turned out so well. I saw it, I was in it for a little bit, but I loved it.
Robert, when we we asked Tom and Jacob if they could take anything from the set, Tom said he would take your Audi and Jacob said he would take your watch. How do you feel about that?
Robert Downey Jr.: I’m sorry, which Audi and which watch?
Michael Keaton, the thing about the Vulture in this film is that his motives are grounded. What were your impressions when you signed on to this film.
Michael Keaton: I thought it was inventive and an interesting way to go. I’m not really familiar with a lot of the lore, so for me, I was trying to catch up. I just thought the simplicity of making this character approachable, it’s timely. Let’s not talk about why it’s timely, cause I want to blow my brains out.
Robert Downey Jr.: He’s only threatening his own life right now.
Michael Keaton: I thought it was a really unique approach and obvious to make this person approachable and has a legitimate gripe and argument. It was a fun gig.
Marisa Tomei, it seems like a fun gig for you as well. What was your take on playing Aunt May as completely different from what we know about the character.
Marisa Tomei: I didn’t really know what Aunt May looked like until after I signed up. I couldn’t understand why my agents kept saying to me “They’re going to make her sexy”. Ugh, stop trying to coddle me. Oh, in contrast of another way to go. These guys had this vision of how it would be revamped and everyone was going to be younger and she’s his Aunt by marriage so she can be any age at all.
Tom, can you talk about your experience from the impossible, when they first discovered you and you got to this place in your life?
Tom Holland: I’ve been so lucky in my career. I felt like I’ve been in the right place at the right time in every turn in my life. I’ve been so lucky with who I would consider the best of the best. I’ve been able to play different characters without having to go too far. Since I’ve now finding myself I’m looking to go a little bit further. It’s the job that keeps on giving, it never ceases to amaze me. Like Zendaya said, it never ceases to be real. I read a comic yesterday that is based off my face, and I’m like what the hell! Nothing has sunk in. It feels like I’m about to wake up and be very disappointed.
The film hits theaters on July 7.
