How the Cast of Spider-Man: Far From Home is Shaping Up

With Avengers: Infinity War (spoilers from which lie ahead) growing smaller in the rearview mirror (yet with Thanos’ power spilling outside of the film and into real life), Marvel Studios is hustling to begin production of one of the strangest-ever superhero flicks.

The primary reason the Spider-Man: Homecoming sequel is such an odd concept is that its titular hero is currently dead in the Marvel canon following Thanos’ decimation of the universe’s population. Announcing a future Spidey movie almost certainly confirms that Tom Holland, and thus the other killed-off characters, can and will come back to life. How this will happen—and at what cost to the surviving Avengers—remains uncertain, so at least we have that mystery. This is the same intriguing problem facing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 writer/director James Gunn.

For now, all we can do is track the developments surrounding the second installation of the MCU’s incarnation of Spider-Man, recently revealed as Spider-Man: Far From Home. The latest casting news is that J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiam’s Leon) will join the ensemble in a leading role, per Deadline. No further details are available to the public regarding who the 52-year-old will play, or if he will be friend or foe. Smoove is the second new addition to the franchise following the substantial rumors that Jake Gyllenhaal will portray Spider-Man’s main adversary, likely the familiar Mysterio.

The title of the film could have a few different meanings, but the most likely explanation is the literal one: much of the shooting will take place in London, potentially making Far From Home the first Spider-Man film that takes place outside of New York City. Despite the distance, some familiar faces from Homecoming are returning to reprise their roles. The ever-talented Michael Keaton is reportedly back as Vulture, as well as his on-screen daughter and Peter Parker love interest Michelle (played by Zendaya). Marisa Tomei is also expected to return as Aunt May.

It’s great to see some big names on the project, but let’s be honest: the project still won’t be the same without Jacob Batalon’s Ned and his incredible chemistry with Holland.

Featured image: Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR..Spider-Man/Peter Parker (Tom Holland). Photo: Film Frame .©Marvel Studios 2018