Since Spider-Man's triumphant entry into the MCU in Captain America: Civil War, anticipation for his solo film has been at an all-time high. With Jon Watts (Cop Car) set to direct, Spider-Man: Homecoming will be a co-production of Sony and Marvel Studios. The film will see Peter Parker (Tom Holland) taking on The Vulture (presumably Michael Keaton), with the aid of his new mentor/gizmo fabricator, Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.).
With filming having just started in Atlanta, there has been no shortage of supporting cast announcements popping up: Donald Glover (The Martian), Kenneth Choi (The People v O.J. Simpson), and Michael Barbieri (The Dark Tower) being some of the most recent examples to join the likes of Zendaya, Laura Harrier, Tony Revolori, Martin Starr, Logan Marshall-Green, and Marisa Tomei.
Now Deadline is reporting that Abraham Attah, who co-starred with Idris Elba in the critically acclaimed film Beasts of No Nation, will also be joining Homecoming in an unspecified role. Beasts is currently the first and only film that the 15-year-old Ghanaian has acted in, though he's clearly made an impression, having won several awards for the role.
Set photos also seem to have confirmed another noteworthy addition. Comic Book Movie is reporting that actress Selenis Levya (Orange Is the New Black) was seen on the set of Homecoming. While the role has yet to be officially confirmed, Marvelous Realm has heard that she will be playing Peter Parker's physics teacher at the Midtown School of Science & Technology.
Considering Queens, New York is one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world, it's great to see such a talented and diverse cast on display here. Considering Watts got his directing role by pitching a John Hughes vibe for the project, it's likely that Parker's classmates and teachers will play a much larger role in this film than they have in any previous film iteration.
Fans of the beloved (but short-lived) Spectacular Spider-Man cartoon and Brian Michael Bendis's Ultimate Spider-Man comics know the nearly endless potential of this setting. With the lovable Holland playing a believable teen iteration of the character, it seems like Marvel's casting department is working hard to make sure he's surrounded by a rock solid supporting cast.
With so many fatigued by the hero's screen appearance after The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Homecoming seems poised to right the ship, and has the potential to be something truly special. Stay tuned to Screen Rant for all your Spidey news updates as filming for Homecoming continues.
Captain America: Civil War is in theaters now. Doctor Strange opens November 4, 2016; Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – May 5, 2017; Spider-Man: Homecoming – July 7, 2017; Thor: Ragnarok – November 3, 2017; Black Panther – February 16, 2018; Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 – May 4, 2018; Ant-Man and the Wasp – July 6, 2018; Captain Marvel – March 8, 2019; Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 – May 3, 2019; and as-yet untitled Marvel movies on July 12, 2019, and on May 1, July 10, and November 6 in 2020.
Source: Deadline, Comic Book Movie, and Marvelous Realm