MCU: 14 Things You Learn Rewatching Spider-Man: Homecoming

8. Marisa Tomei Is Just The Best

Spider Man Homecoming Aunt May Peter
Marvel Studios

After Aunt May was nailed perfectly in Sam Raimi’s original trilogy, Sony have struggled to reinvent the character for their subsequent reboots. After botching it a little with the admittedly always great Sally Field (remember when an Aunt May solo movie was going to happen?!), the studio opted for a much younger version of the character and cast Marisa Tomei in the part for her MCU debut.

Though it had some fans feeling a bit cautious, especially when Tony Stark burst in and started flirting with her in Civil War, Homecoming quashed any lingering doubts.

On a rewatch, it’s even more obvious how great of a decision it was. This is a younger version of Peter, and having a parental figure he can easier relate to makes for a relationship unlike anything else in the MCU. Likewise, it makes it possible for May to have an expanded, active role in the sequels, and not somebody Peter’s always trying to keep far away from his heroic duties.

Also, the final reveal of May walking in on Peter in his superhero suit and letting out a bellowing “what the f**k?!” is the perfect way to tease their shifting relationship going into the sequel.

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Josh has over 11 years of experience as a published writer, having worked nine of those years as a full-time content producer at WhatCulture. In that period he has created hundreds of articles, videos and podcast episodes for multiple WhatCulture channels, specialising in gaming, horror and film & TV. He now primarily works as a senior content producer and presenter on WhatCulture Gaming where he co-hosts the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast, a top 3 UK most listened to gaming podcast that he co-created in 2018. Over the years he has reviewed several high-profile gaming releases, covered industry events with on-site reporting, opined on breaking news, and even kicked off his interviewing career by chatting to childhood hero, Tommy Wiseau.