If you’re a regular reader of this site, you’re probably aware that I have some strong opinions concerning the apparent direction in which Marvel and Sony are taking ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’, particularly as it relates to Tony Stark’s role in the film, and his involvement with Spider-Man in a more general sense. And make no mistake, Stark is going to be a substantial presence in Spider-Man’s life when ‘Homecoming’ begins.
Citing a set visit from last summer, Screen Rant quotes co-producer Eric Carroll as saying that Robert Downey Jr. is in “five or six scenes total” throughout the film. Between this and the presence of Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan, it’s a safe bet that Stark’s presence will be felt throughout, regardless of whether or not he’s on screen.
Speaking about the dynamic that fans can expect to see play out between the two character, star Tom Holland had this to say:
“I think we’re seeing the beginning of a sort of father-son relationship. Obviously Tony hasn’t got any kids, and Peter at this point hasn’t got any male figures in his life, so I think there’s a really lovely dynamic that Robert and I are forming. And, no, let me take that back. I think Robert is more like a big brother than he is a father figure because he picks on him and he is down on him quite a lot. But then there is that level of him caring about him like his own, and Robert has really brought something lovely to the character. It’s a very different side of Stark than you’ve ever seen before.”
Holland’s description of Peter and Tony’s relationship is largely consistent with what we’ve seen in the trailers that have been released thus far, particularly given additional statements in which Holland implies that Stark has come to feel he may have gotten Spider-Man in over his head by involving him with the airport showdown in ‘Civil War‘. While none of this exactly puts my mind at ease regarding Stark’s involvement or the implications that it has for Spider-Man as a character, it is nonetheless a welcome insight into where the film is taking these two characters.
Directed by Jon Watts, ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ sees the web slinger return to the big screen following a well-received cameo in ‘Captain America: Civil War’. The film – which is set to swing into theaters on July 7, 2017 – stars Tom Holland, Marisa Tomei, Michael Keaton, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Jacob Batalon, Tony Revolori, Laura Harrier, and Robert Downey Jr.
