Leading into Marvel Studios' Hall H panel at Comic-Con on Saturday afternoon, we knew thatDoctor StrangeandGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2would be part of the panel, thanks to social media posts from directorsScott DerricksonandJames Gunn. One of the panel’s big surprises was the arrival of theSpider-Man: Homecomingcast, who had taken a break in production in Atlanta to showcase the very first footage to the Comic-Con crowd. That footage confirmed that oneiconic characterhas a much different look in this movie.
One scene from theComic-Confootage featuredTony Revolori, who, when he was cast in April, was said to be playing a character named Manuel, described as a “schoolyard enemy” toTom Holland’s Peter Parker, much like Flash Thompson from the comic books. It seems the name Manuel was all just a red herring, since the footage confirmed thatTony Revoloriis in fact Flash Thompson, after he was called on in class, while Peter watches YouTube videos of his work on the streets as Spidey. Unfortunately, we don’t know a whole lot more about this character, and how similar and/or different this Flash may be from the comics. Though just casting in Tony Revolori in the role puts a very different spin on who we know Flash to be.
This character is quite important in theSpider-Mancomics, and has previously been played on the big screen byJoe ManganielloinSam Raimi’sSpider-Manand byChris ZylkainMarc Webb’s rebootThe Amazing Spider-Man. In the comics, Flash eventually becomes one of the hosts for the symbioteVenom, which could be explored in future movies.Jon Wattsalso describedSpider-Man: Homecomingas an “all-out high school movie.”
DirectorJon Wattsconfirmed in an interview after the panel thatTony Revoloriis playing Flash, whileZendayais playing Michelle,Jacob Batalonis playing Ned andLaura Harrieris playing Liz. While we don’t have confirmation on their full names it’s believed that Michelle is actually Michelle Gonzalez, who was only recently added to the comic book continuity, where Peter meets her as an adult. Liz is believed to be Liz Allan, Flash’s high school girlfriend in the comics who later marries Harry Osborn, while Ned is most likely Ned Leeds, who, in the comics is a Daily Planet reporter who shares the same romantic affections for J. Jonah Jameson’s Betty Brant, just like Peter Parker.Michael Barbierihas also been cast as Peter Parker’s friend, but his character’s name hasn’t been revealed yet.
If all these character rumors are true, then this movie could be setting up quite an interesting franchise that takesSpider-Manto new levels. There have been rumors thatSpider-Man: Homecomingwill be the first movie in a trilogy that will be set duringPeter Parker’s high school years, with each movie representing a year of high school. Stay tuned for more details onSpider-Man: Homecomingas production continues in Atlanta.
