Marvel fans, with their constant demands for a glimpse at the new Spider-Man, have been doing their best J. Jonah Jameson impersonation throughout the entire marketing campaign for "Captain America: Civil War." But Marvel has kept its new version of the wall-crawler tightly under wraps (under webs?) throughout their promotional efforts which have included trailers, TV spots, character posters and exclusive cover stories.
Until now, that is.
Yesterday, the final trailer for "Civil War" was released and with it, the first look at Tom Holland in his Marvel Cinematic Debut as Spider-Man. This is a big deal for fans as Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures finally agreed to share the rights to the character a few months back, allowing him to become a major player in the MCU going forward. But none of that matters if this new iteration doesn't connect with audiences. Fortunately, that doesn't sound like it's going to be a problem.
Following the trailer's release, "Guardians of the Galaxy" franchise writer and director James Gunn - who has already seen "Civil War" - heaped effusive praise onto Holland and his role in the film.
Civil War. Yes I swear and promise it really is awesome. https://t.co/ipbn4y31aM
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 10, 2016
The casting of Holland, just 19-years-old, has been met with some skepticism from fans given his young age and relatively little big screen experience. But Gunn quickly assuaged any doubts moviegoers may have.
I think @TomHolland1996 is the best Spidey/Peter Parker ever by a country mile. https://t.co/SiH9yP8NvW — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 10, 2016
It’s his own thing. He is to Spidey as Downey is to Iron Man, Ledger was to the Joker, Pratt is to Star-Lord. https://t.co/uvp9qJb2Cx
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 10, 2016
@FilmandPaint @GamesRadar Being clear: The movie is one of the best. Tom is THE best. — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 11, 2016
The trailer appears to confirm previous rumors that Holland's Spider-Man is on Team Iron Man, at least to start, in the conflict between him and Captain America. Initially, Holland was only supposed to cameo in the film before getting his own standalone movie in 2017. However, his role was expanded a bit so fans can expect a proper introduction into the friendly neighborhood superhero.
Obviously Gunn wouldn't bash one of Marvel's movies as he is working within the company right now. But no one forced him to go out of his way to talk up Holland, Spider-Man and "Civil War." This bodes well for the movie as it sounds like it's going to be a critical hit with audiences and a great launching pad for new heroes.
"Captain America: Civil War" will hit theaters on May 6. Holland's solo "Spider-Man" movie is scheduled for July 28, 2017.
