Donald Glover is joining the cast of Spider-Man: Homecoming, the Jon Watts-directed superhero movie that stars Tom Holland for Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios. The big question that will be asked in the fanboy set is, what role is he playing? The talented young actor was at the center of a lot of social media conjecturing back when the project was solidifying, as many felt he would be an ideal candidate to play the Spidey character in his third major onscreen iteration. Glover, aside from being a writer on 30 Rock handpicked at age 21 by Tina Fey to becoming a cast member on Community and co-star of films like The Martian, Magic Mike XXL and The Lazarus Effect, is also a hip hop artist who records under the name Childish Gambino. I am waiting for clarity from Sony and Marvel as to what he’s going to do in the film, which will star Michael Keaton as The Vulture, and which has a youthful cast of Peter Parker pals played by Zendaya, Michael Barbieri, Kenneth Choi and Tony Revolori. Robert Downey Jr, who helped introduce Holland’s fresh-faced Spidey character in Captain America: Civil War, has also signed on to wear his Iron Man costume for the film. Marisa Tomei also reprises her role as Aunt May. Producers Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal are certainly putting together a cast high on youthful energy, and also diversity.
Glover’s also got the FX series Atlanta coming this fall. It revolves around two cousins on their way up through the Atlanta rap scene whose opposing views on art vs commerce, success and race complicate their quest. Glover is repped by WME, MGMT Entertainment and attorney Lev Ginsburg.
