Before Spider-Man swings into the Marvel Cinematic Universe next year, Sony and Marvel have a lot of decisions to make regarding the Wall Crawler’s big screen future. The biggest among them, at least in many fans’ minds, is which character will reside underneath that mask: Peter Parker, or Miles Morales?
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While the Parker brand will undoubtedly sell like wheat cakes for Marvel, there’s still a chance that Morales, the Ultimate Universe’s Spider-Man, could take lead. Despite his short time on this Earth, he’s already earned an ardent following amongst fans. Plus, he’d bring some-much needed diversity in a franchise that’s more-or-less dominated by square-jawed white dudes. But, as is generally the case with films, Miles Morales’ success will ultimately come down to the casting. Marvel needs an actor who can convey the insecurities of being a pre-teen Brooklynite thrown into the world of Gods and Monster, while also keeping pace with the larger than life personas of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers.
Below, we run through the actors who could best capture some, if not all, of the qualities that have made Miles such a hit. If given the opportunity, there’s little doubt each candidate would leave every theater-patron uttering, “Parker Who?”
Marcus Scribner
If Marvel and Sony get Spider-Man on a consistent release schedule, like the Harry Potter franchise, they could build a narrative that actually shows Miles’ physical and mental development. The new Spider-Man franchise would have a clear chronology, giving Miles a clear arc from struggling super-hero in the 2017 reboot to confidant Avenger in an eventual sequel. And Scribner’s the young actor who’s hungry enough to anchor that franchise for the next decade or more. His current work on Black-ish shows that he stand out amongst a dysfunctional family cast, and as any Ultimate Spider-Man reader can attest, Miles’ family is anything but normal (his uncle is kind of a super villain and all).
Tyler James Williams
Alfred Enoch
Donald Glover
Plus, he has the confidence and swagger that Miles will eventually need to develop (or at least fake) as he leaves the confines of Brooklyn battling and ascends to the Avengers’ grand stage. And lastly, Glover’s a known celebrity and brand. That name recognition is going to fill seats with people who could care less about Spider-Man. Sure, an argument for ticket sales isn’t the most compelling one, but just remember that it was an underwhelming box office return for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 that got us in this place. Marvel and Sony need a bankable actor if they to ensure Spider-Man’s commercial success.
What do you think of this list? Who would you like to see play Miles? Sound off in the comments below.
