Actor Jake Johnson is sending messages in character as Peter B. Parker to quarantined young Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse fans who're watching the movie at home. As the world continues to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, people are doing their part to help slow the spread of the virus by practicing social distancing and staying at home as much as possible. But with schools also shutting down, that means a lot of parents are watching over their children 24-7 and trying to find fun things for them to do to pass the time. Fortunately, they have a lot of different options to choose from, as far as entertainment goes.
In addition to all the movies and TV shows already available to check out at home, Disney released Frozen II on Disney+ three months early because of the coronavirus, and will make Pixar's Onward available to purchase digitally starting tonight, ahead of its own premiere on Disney+ in April. Of course, many kids have been passing the time by watching their favorite older animated films instead, like Sony's Oscar-winning hit Into the Spider-Verse. Now, one of the actors from the movie is doing his part to keep their spirits high.
In a post on Instagram, Johnson reached out to parents whose kids are watching Into the Spider-Verse while quarantined at home, saying if they email him he will send a "quick encouraging message" as his character from the movie, Peter B. Parker, to their children. You can read his full message (which includes the email address to reach out to), below.
Needless to say, it's a kind gesture on Johnson's part and a welcome one in these stressful times. He's far from the only celebrity to do their part to help out by encouraging people to stay safe at home while remaining optimistic, either. Arnold Schwrzenegger has posted multiple social media messages by now, ordering people to practice social distancing in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and find ways to keep healthy. Even actors who've tested positive for COVID-19, like Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, have been keeping people updated on their status and offering words of comfort to those who're quarantining safely at home. Similarly, Agents of SHIELD star Chloe Bennet and showrunner Maurissa Tancharoen have spoken out against those who've been calling COVID-19 the "Chinese virus" and engaging in racist attacks against Asian-Americans and Asian people.
While some of the social media posts from celebrities have been much more thoughtful and well-received than others, it's hard to imagine anyone taking serious issue with Johnson delivering an encouraging message to young Into the Spider-Verse fans. Like everyone, kids could use some extra kindness under the circumstances, and Johnson will no doubt include a little humor in his voice notes to go with the words of wisdom. Really, anything that makes life a little easier for everyone - while at the same time spurring them on to continue practicing safe habits in the face of the virus' outbreak - is worth applauding.
Source: Jake Johnson/Instagram
