- You’d feel some sense of pride if you happen to know that there’s a Filipino-American cast in a Hollywood movie.
- In the latest Marvel film, SpiderMan Homecoming, a Fil-Am actor is being introduced and he’ll be playing the lead star’s best buddy.
- Jason Batalon, a Fil-Am actor makes his debut on the big screen playing the character of Ned Leeds, Peter Parker’s high school best friend.
As seen on SpiderMan Homecoming trailer, Jason Batalon is shown as an effective comic relief in the latest Marvel film.
In the latest Marvel film, ‘Spider-Man Homecoming,’ there’s a Filipino-American actor named Jacob Batalon who was able to penetrate Hollywood and will be seen playing Peter Parker’s high school friend in the said film.
British actor Tom Holland will be playing the web-slinging hero Spiderman. Holland is reportedly happy that he’s got Batalon to play as his friend in the movie. He also said that he and Batalon really get along well in real life.
In the movie trailer, Batalon is such a scene stealer as he effectively plays Ned Leeds and providing the comic relief in the said Spidey film. Even if he’s playing only a minor character, Batalon says he feels lucky to be chosen to be the lead star’s ‘sidekick.’ He made sure he convincingly played the role of the protagonist’s confidante.
According to a popular entertainment site, Batalon’s character is supposedly an amalgamation of Leeds, Peter Parker’s Daily Bugle co-worker in the original comics. Apparently, Batalon’s character was made into that of Ganke Lee, a supporting character of Miles Morales’ Spider-Man series.
Batalon’s inclusion in the cast of Spider-Man Homecoming film is another mark up towards Asian representation in the Marvel cinematic universe.
“This is just a small taste of it [Hollywood], but I’m honestly so excited for the film. After we wrapped up, I was so anxious to get everything going and now that we’re a month away from the release, it’s just like crazy now,” the 20-year-old Fil-Am actor said during the Singapore promotional tour of the Spidey movie.
Spider-Man Homecoming will be released in theatres this July 6. British actor Tom Holland plays the title role with Michael Keaton as the Vulture, Tony Revolori as Flash Thompson, Jason Batalon as Ned Leeds, Laura Harrier as Liz Allan and Zendaya as Michelle, Peter’s love interest.
