Into the Spider-Verse‘s Shameik Moore Had Auditioned to Play Lando
Shameik Moore is now on everyone’s mind after playing Miles Morales in Sony’s CGI-animated film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Although he’d had leading roles in the 2015 Sundance drama Dope and Netflix series The Get Down, it was the animated adventure’s success that catapulted Moore into the spotlight. The film has been nominated for an Oscar, no less.
In becoming the first Spider-Man of color, the actor of Jamaican descent worked with executive producers Phil Lord (also a co-writer of the script) and Chris Miller. But it wasn’t Moore’s first professional encounter with the two.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, it turns out Moore could have also played another iconic superhero of color: Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story. The 23-year-old had auditioned for Lord and Miller, revealing that it’s not his biggest forte:
“I do not like auditioning,” Moore said. “I know what I bring to the table, and if you’re sitting down with me, and I’m reading your lines, and I’m giving you my take on the performance, and you’re interested in me already — if it doesn’t work out afterward, my feelings are hurt. … [Dope director] Rick [Famuyiwa], Kenya [Barris], Phil and Chris, RZA, these are the people that have believed in me and taken a chance.”
Lando’s role was given Donald Glover in the end, who made the role all his own. Moore’s career has taken off regardless, and he had this to say about his philosophy when it comes to auditioning:
“I don’t really care about who I’m auditioning for” he said. “I don’t know much about who the directors are beforehand. I go in there to execute my job, and if you want me, I’m here to execute. I don’t think I knew that these were the same dudes that were interested in me for Spider-Man when I went in for Star Wars. I do remember meeting them, and going in there and doing it, but I also remember feeling like I wasn’t going to have that part.”
Where one door closes, another one opens. Praised by fans and critics alike, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Motion Picture.
It now stands a chance at winning Best Animated Feature at the 91st Academy Awards on Sunday, February 24.
Featured image: Miles Morales in Sony Pictures Animation’s SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE. Courtesy: Sony Entertainment
