With Tom Holland landing the role of Spider-Man in the new Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures reboot of the Spider-Man franchise, it was only a matter of time before other pieces began to fall into place for the next big screen adventure of the Wall Crawler. Rumors are swirling about who the villain will be in the new film, and how Spider-Man himself will fit into the great picture of the MCU, but some things are a constant to the comics that will be here as well.
Variety has learned that Academy Award Winner Marisa Tomei has been offered the role of Aunt May, Peter’s guardian, in the Jon Watts directed film. The outlet has learned that Tomei was offered the role last week, but a deal is not yet in place.
This may seem like a dramatic departure to fans of the Spider-Man comics, as May is usually seen as much older, in an almost elderly fashion, with graying hair. Tomei is 50 right now, and a far cry from how she is normally portrayed. She’s also the youngest actress to get the chance to play the iconic character, who was played by Rosemary Harris and Sally Field, before. Even as far as the Ultimate Spider-Man comics line goes, May is still a gray haired, former hippie take on the character.
While it may be a departure, it’s a welcome one. In a way, I’m hoping it means there may be new things in store for the character. One who is a bit more strong willed, and can hold her own. Tomei is a wonderful actress, and she’d be a very welcome addition to the Marvel Universe, which is continually growing in talent.
For now, the deal is still on the table, but anything can happen. I’m sure we’ll find out sooner or later if Tomei ends up accepting the role. With a 2017 release date for the film, Marvel and Sony still have plenty of time to nail down an actress for May, and it’ll be great to see how it all comes together. But we’ll get our first look at Spider-Man himself next May in Captain America: Civil War, where the actor will down the iconic suit for the first time.
The untitled Spider-Man reboot, directed by Jon Watts and starring Tom Holland, is set for July 28, 2017.