'Spider-Man' Rumor: Asa Butterfield Is Marvel's Top Pick

Just last week, it was rumored that Sony and Marvel had their eye on a handful of young male actors to take on the role (and great power and responsibility, etc.) of Peter Parker in their upcoming reboot of the Spider-Man franchise. Among the names on that list was Ender’s Game star Asa Butterfield, who many fans feel has the perfect look to portray the nerdy appearance of Parker. Those fans may get their wish, as it’s now being reported that Butterfield is the top contender for the part.

The rumor comes from Umberto Gonzalez, who posted the news to his Instagram account. Butterfield is not only Marvel’s top pick, but he’s reportedly always been at the top of their list. If true, that all but guarantees his casting, as Marvel is currently working with Sony to creatively guide the reboot of the character, who will make his debut in Captain America: Civil War. Thanks to Marvel’s total superhero franchise domination and Sony’s recent failures with Spider-Man, Marvel’s opinion seems like it would be the one that matters most right now.

Butterfield landed his breakout role in Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, and has since appeared in Ender’s Game and Ten Thousand Saints. Up next, he stars in Tim Burton’s adaptation of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. That project is currently filming for a 2016 release date, and it would appear that Butterfield has plenty of time available to play the web-slinging hero in the near future.

Other names that were reportedly on Marvel and Sony’s shortlist include The Fault in Our Stars actor Nat Wolff and Liam James.

Captain America: Civil War arrives on May 6, 2016, while the new Spider-Man solo film will hit theaters on July 28, 2017.

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