10 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’?
When ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ swung into theaters in 2017, it officially brought Peter Parker into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Starring Tom Holland as the friendly neighborhood hero, the film followed Peter as he balanced high school life with his secret identity while facing off against the Vulture. With a lighter tone, a coming-of-age story, and strong ties to the larger MCU, the movie gave audiences a fresh take on the web-slinger.
The film became a hit for blending superhero action with teenage comedy, showing Spider-Man as both a vulnerable kid and a capable hero. Behind the fun, however, are plenty of interesting details and behind-the-scenes stories that make the movie even more fascinating. Here are ten things you might not know about ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’.
Tom Holland Was the Youngest Actor to Play Spider-Man
At just 19 when he was cast, Tom Holland became the youngest actor to play the character in a live-action film. His youthful energy and athletic background helped bring authenticity to Peter Parker.
Holland also performed many of his own stunts, thanks to his training in gymnastics and dance. This gave his Spider-Man a more agile and playful style compared to previous portrayals.
The Film Skipped the Origin Story
Unlike earlier Spider-Man films, ‘Homecoming’ didn’t retell the famous origin story of Uncle Ben’s death or the radioactive spider bite. Marvel assumed audiences already knew it.
Instead, the story jumped straight into Peter learning to handle his powers and responsibilities, allowing more time to focus on his growth as a teenager.
Michael Keaton Returned to the Superhero Genre
Michael Keaton, who once played Batman, took on the role of Adrian Toomes, also known as the Vulture. His performance brought depth to the villain, portraying him as a working-class man driven by desperation.
Keaton’s return to comic book movies was widely praised, and his Vulture remains one of the more grounded and sympathetic MCU villains.
The Film Was Filled with John Hughes References
Director Jon Watts described ‘Homecoming’ as a high school movie inspired by John Hughes classics like ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.’ The film even included a clip from that movie during a chase scene.
This influence shaped the tone, blending superheroics with teen comedy and awkward high school moments, making it stand out from other Marvel films.
Iron Man Served as Peter’s Mentor
Robert Downey Jr. reprised his role as Tony Stark, acting as a mentor figure to Peter. Their relationship became a central thread, with Stark both supporting and challenging him.
This dynamic helped integrate Spider-Man into the MCU, giving Peter access to advanced tech like the upgraded Spider-Man suit.
Donald Glover Played a Small but Important Role
Donald Glover appeared as Aaron Davis, a small-time criminal who mentions having a nephew in the city. In the comics, Aaron Davis is the uncle of Miles Morales, another Spider-Man.
This subtle reference teased the possible introduction of Miles into the MCU, exciting fans of the character.
The Spider-Man Suit Had Hidden Features
The upgraded suit given to Peter by Tony Stark included dozens of hidden features, such as instant kill mode, web grenade options, and an AI assistant named Karen.
These additions gave Spider-Man a high-tech edge while also creating comedic moments as Peter struggled to master them.
Zendaya’s Character Was Revealed as MJ
Zendaya played Michelle, a sarcastic classmate of Peter’s who often lingered in the background. By the end of the film, she tells Peter her friends call her “MJ.”
This twist set her up as the new version of Mary Jane Watson, reimagined for the MCU. Her performance and chemistry with Holland made her a standout.
Captain America’s Cameos Were Filmed in One Day
Chris Evans appeared in multiple humorous PSAs shown at Peter’s school. These scenes, including the detention video, were all filmed in a single day.
The cameos added comic relief while showing how the Avengers were viewed as public figures in everyday life.
The Washington Monument Scene Was Logistically Complex
One of the film’s biggest action set pieces was the rescue at the Washington Monument. Filming combined practical sets with CGI to create the towering location.
Tom Holland, who has a fear of heights, admitted that filming the sequence was nerve-wracking despite the safety measures. The scene became one of the most memorable moments of the film.
What fact about ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ did you find the most surprising? Share your thoughts in the comments!
