Director Jon Watts Explains Why Tom Holland Is Perfect For Spider-Man

In June, Marvel and Sony selected Jon Watts (Cop Car, Clown) to direct the first solo Spider-Man film that will take place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Entertainment Weekly has sat down with Watts to discuss how he landed the high-profile gig and to find out what he thinks of Tom Holland as his Peter Parker/Spidey.

"He can be a real high school student, Watts said when asked what Holland can bring to the role. "That's why people love Spider-Man. He's the most grounded, relatable of superheroes. And Tom can really do that. He captures that. And he can do a standing back-flip. He's perfect."

Holland's Spider-Man will make his first appearance in Captain America: Civil War, Will Watts have any input on how the Russo brothers handle his debut? "I mean, it's a big universe, so everyone sort of works with each other to make sure that there's continuity and that it all fits together," Watts said. "It's really exciting actually. We're just getting started, working on the script and all that, but it's going to be a great process. "

There is trend in Hollywood to pluck filmmakers that are making a splash at film festivals. Cop Car was a Sundance darling that helped Watts land Spider-Man, which he says Marvel saw and "they really liked it." "Now, I've got to make a slightly more expensive version," he explained. "It's an opportunity to just have a much bigger canvas instead of just scrapping together any story you can."

Tom Holland's Spider-Man/Peter Parker will make a cameo in Captain America: Civil War, which will arrive on May 6, 2016. He'll then star in the Jon Watts-directed solo Spider-Man movie to be released on July 28, 2017.