Spider-Man: Homecoming’s Diverse Cast Took Influences From the Real World

Even in a world of web-slinging superheroes, high-tech suited mentors, and enraged villains bent on bringing mayhem, there's still something they can take from real life by way of inspiration for the film. And Spider-Man: Homecoming does just that to create one of the most diverse cast in superhero movies to date.

Looking at Peter Parker's high school alone, it's easy to see a diverse cast. His best friend Ned, his love interest Liz Allen, and even Pete's friendly rival Flash Thompson all come from different backgrounds and races. Actor Tony Revolori who portrays Flash, shared to CBR that this move effectively uplifted the representation of the Latino community in movies--and it does so in a sly but efficient way:

"I think the fact that when you see the film there's not a single line of exposition as to explain why I look the way I look and I think that's wonderful that I just am in the movie. It's not about being a certain race, it's not about doing anything. I think that's the kind of diversity we need in Hollywood now."

Sony exec Amy Pascal also shared during the press conference that the reason for this move would be taking inspiration from reality. It's already an explanation in itself and one I would say has been in motion for current movies, though the execution doesn't always seem to be solidified in the same way as with Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Revolori nails the sentiment in his quote. Sometimes, the dialogue on diversity is lost on the explanation--they tend to highlight issues like diversity and inclusion instead of just showing us what diversity means onscreen rather than talk points.

Perhaps this is what Marvel meant when they said that they were looking to bring diversity when it makes sense to the story--and indeed, what better way to show some sense and substance by an art-imitates-life scenario in the movies?

Spider-Man: Homecoming will be out in theaters on July 7.

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