Early in Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it was revealed that Disney and Sony Pictures had reached a deal that would allow Spider-Man to join the franchise starting with Captain America: Civil War. However, back in 2015, it was revealed the shortlist of actors for Peter Parker/Spider-Man included Tom Holland – who would later land the role – along with Asa Butterfield, who missed out on the opportunity.
Now, in a recent interview with Collider, Butterfield reflected on his audition for Spider-Man and missing out on the role but was happy he was able to join the cast of Netflix’s Sex Education instead.
“Every so often there’s a part [that you really want] and it’s a script you love, and you kind of put your heart and soul into it, and you don’t get it,” Butterfield said. “And it is tough and it is sh-t, but I often find that something even better comes out of it at the end. And so in the case of Spider-Man, I did [Netflix’s Sex Education], because I wouldn’t have been able to do both of those at the same time.”
Butterfield continued to explain that his iteration of the web-slinger would have played out differently from the work we have seen with Tom Holland.
“I think as an actor and going out for roles, there’s only so much you can do and everyone’s gonna have a different take on a part and look at a character in different ways, have a different sort of performance, and you kind of have to stick with what you think. And if that isn’t necessary in line with what the director and the producers want, then it’s like, there’s nothing you can do about that. You might just not be the right person, and that’s out of your hands. And that’s something I’ve learned, something that I think is great to help me kind of get over it. Because Tom did amazing things with Peter and he had an entirely different portrayal of him and I think it’s worked so well in the universe and in that part, and I don’t think I could do it. So I think all things work out in the end.”
Although Butterfield was snagged out of the role, Tom Holland has portrayed Peter Parker/Spider-Man in five MCU titles including Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Spider-Man: Far From Home.
Do you think Asa Butterfield would have been a good choice to play Spidey? Let us know in the comments or on our social channels @flickeringmyth…
