Like Tobey Maguire before him, Andrew Garfield has officially hung up his Spidey tights. But that's okay, because Marvel has already found a replacement to take on the iconic role of Spider-Man. He's British, he's boy-next-door cute, and he's bound to be blowing up the media, so pay attention.
Meet Tom Holland, who has been cast by Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures as the next Peter Parker/Spider-Man in a film set to be released on July 28, 2017. Sony has wasted no time in gushing over Holland's "special" screen tests, but just who is this guy? Why does he look vaguely familiar? And, does he come with a lovable girlfriend who will play Spidey's love interest and keep us charmed during press tours?
We'll get to that. Here are the nuts and bolts.
He's young. Spidey 3.0 just celebrated his 19th birthday this month, and will be 21 when his film comes out. That means he was just 6 years old when Maguire first played Peter Parker. Gulp.
He can sing and dance. Holland first gained acclaim for his starring role in Billy Elliot the Musical in 2008. That fancy footwork will presumably come in handy when he needs to leap over buildings.
He's got a famous family. Holland is the oldest son of English comedian and writer Dominic Holland. One of his younger brothers, Harry, appeared in Diana as Prince Harry.
He's got a nice résumé. Among his credits are roles in The Impossible, Wolf Hall, and the upcoming Chris Hemsworth drama, In the Heart of the Sea.
Spider-Man won't be his first superhero film. Holland will first play Peter Parker/Spidey in Captain America: Civil War in 2016, because you can't have a Marvel film without cramming every single cape- and tight-clad creature in it. Side note: Spidey and Black Widow would have the BEST couple name, ever.
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