*Sigh*
In case you have been living in Christian Grey’s red playroom for the past week, you would know that Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures have come to terms on a deal that would see Spider-Man, yes that Spider-Man, appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe alongside characters like The Hulk, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America. For fans of the character, this is extremely exciting.
While it is sad to see Marc Webb’s franchise end on such a whimper (thanks, Sony), it is rather exciting to receive news that we will have a brand new Spider-Man appear on the big screen in a year’s time in Captain America: Civil War.
Over the past couple of days, the internet has been releasing and posting polls, and editorials issuing who they believe should play Spider-Man… And literally, every-single-damn-one has Logan Lerman and Dylan O’Brien on them.
So let me just say, if you are expecting cheap-shiny-rip-off-Andrew Garfield (Lerman) or a child (O’Brien), then you will be extremely disappointed. The following top-ten list is full of actors who should, and could definitely play the role of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe… So without further ado, let’s begin.
#10. Freddie Highmore
Out of all the terrible choices the internet has provided us with, Highmore is actually a rather good one. Of course, everyone would know this guy from Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, but I know him from a far-superior film, entitled, The Art Of Getting By. Highmore has the Peter Parker look, and he is quite witty when he wants to be. As of right now, the actor is currently on TV with the show, Bates Motel, and, despite not being an avid watcher, from my experience of sitting through a couple of episodes, the dude is quite talented.
#9. Taron Edgerton
A rather new face to the casting game, Taron Edgerton recently starred in Fox’s Kingsman: The Secret Service, and has received high praise for his role alongside acting-great, Colin Firth. The actor has revealed on countless occasions that he would love to play the wall-crawler, and depending on how successful his most recent film is, we could see Taron don the iconic suit faster than you know it.
#8. Ansel Elgort
Star of The Fault In Our Stars, Elgort jumped onto the big screen last year with the hugely successful film, and also become a teenage heartthrob in the process. Not bad for a 20-year-old. The actor acted the sh*t out of the John Green-adapted film, and also had a role in 2013’s Carrie remake. His most recent film, Men, Women & Children, was neither a critical nor commercial success, but with such raw talent, and such a young age, you cannot deny Elgot’s potential.
#7. Zac Efron
I know what you’re all thinking: He’s the Disney kid, kill him! But, relax. Efron has come a long-damn way since those days at High School Musical. His most recent film, Bad Neighbours, owned the box office, earning over $250 million dollars worldwide, and the film proved that Efron has naturally evolved as an actor. His next film, We Are Your Friends, details the rise and fall of a DJ in the music industry, the film should, hopefully, showcase a more dramatic side to Efron, as seen in the underrated indie, The Paperboy.
#6. Keith Stanfield
A long time ago, a writer once described Spider-Man as “everyone.” Interestingly, fans and people everyone absolutely hate the idea of an African-American playing Spider-Man. Which makes me think one thing: No one gets Spider-Man. That being said, Stanfield is one of the best up and coming actors in recent memory. Starring in the indie-gem Short Term 12, along side Brie Larson, the actor showed what he is capable of, stealing every scene he was in. Stanfield will next appear in the Sundance hit, Dope and the biopic film, Straight Outta Compton, as Snoop Dogg.
#5. Jeremy Irvine
Steven Speilberg hand-picked this guy to star in his film, War Horse. His performance in War Horse, was one that was both captivating and raw all at the same time, while his role in Now Is Good, won over the hearts of women everywhere. At just 25-years of age, the actor has a lot to give, and would make for an excellent Spider-Man if given the right opportunity.
#4. Eddie Redmayne
I know what you’re thinking: But Redmayne’s 33, he can’t play Spider-Man! Honestly? I do not care. Redmayne is one of the best actors around and his performance in The Theory Of Everything, sold me on him as anything… Ever. While his role in Jupiter Ascending has been critically panned, I found it quite refreshing to see an actor just have stupid fun in a stupid movie. Reddmayne has proved that he can tackle a very iconic role, thanks to his portrayal of Dr. Stephen Hawking, so I do not think playing Spidey would cause any unrest.
#3. Donald Glover
Another old-guy? What the f*ck am I thinking? I have been sold on Donald Glover as Spider-Man ever since he was rumoured for the role back in the pre-production on The Amazing Spider-Man. I find the guy so damn funny, his stand-up just gets me, every-single-time, and his performance in Community is one of the most refreshing takes on nerd-culture in recent memory. While you can complain and say that he is too old for Spider-Man, I do not believe that. It would be incredible to see Glover tackle the role, especially when everyone is demanding someone “new” and “different.”
#2. Daniel Radcliffe
Harry Potter, you say? While it is easy to just see Harry Potter whenever you gaze at this young-man, it is harder to see anything else. It took me a while to really see anyone other than that young boy entering the world of wizardry, but after last year’s film, What If, I have finally seen the next stage in Radcliffe’s career. In the film, Daniel plays a man who is simply down on his luck, and reminds me of Peter Parker the whole time. I think, if there is one thing I can say about the film, it is to check it out. Radcliffe is a huge Spider-Man fan, appearing at Comic Con two years ago dressed as the wall-crawler.
#1. Jack O’Connell
I have discussed my admiration for this young-talent before, but following his Bafta win, I could not… Not discuss it. Jack O’Connell first came to my attention, when I saw a trailer for Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken. Being a huge fan of the book, and the story, I went back and enjoyed his older films. His roles in Starred Up and ’71 were two dramatically different roles, which showed two unique sides to this actor’s talent. I will continue to say, that no matter how bland people believed Unbroken to be, O’Connell was snubbed of an Oscar nomination. His role in that film was downright incredible, and brought me to tears on more than one occasion. So cast him, Marvel. Before someone else does.
So, what do you think? Do you guys and girls like my choices for Spider-Man, do you hate them to buggery? Comment below and let me know, and if you like what you see here, and you want to see more, click that big red thumb and get this onto the main page. Anyways, I’m out for now.