Marvel and Sony's search for a new Spider-Man is over and they enlisted some very big names to help make the decision.
More than 1,500 actors auditioned for the role, which the studios and lead casting director Sarah Finn then narrowed down to six, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The finalists included Asa Butterfield, Judah Lewis, Matthew Lintz, Charlie Plummer, Charlie Rowe and Tom Holland, who eventually earned the part.
In one of their final screen tests, the young men acted opposite Robert Downey Jr., who plays Iron Man and shares scenes with Peter Parker a.k.a. Spider-Man in the upcoming "Captain America: Civil War." Producer Amy Pascal and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige were also present to evaluate who shared the best chemistry with the veteran actor.
Following these screen tests, the producers narrowed down their picks again to the final two - Holland and Rowe. The boys participated in a second screen test, but only Holland reportedly tested separately with Downey and Chris Evans, who plays Captain America.
When the actual decision came down is unclear, but Holland ultimately signed a deal for three solo "Spider-Man" movies plus his introduction in "Civil War." After finding their star, Marvel and Sony then chose Jon Watts as their director for the first "Spider-Man" movie, set to premiere in 2017.
The 19-year-old Holland will succeed Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield in the Spider-Man role. The English actor's previous credits include "The Impossible" and playing the title role in the West End production of "Billy Elliot."
"Captain America: Civil War" will premiere on May 6, 2016.
