Sony Pictures’ ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ has sparked controversy online, following rumours of whitewashing.
Rumours have suggested that Michael Barbieri has been casted to star in the film as a character that was originally Asian in the comics.
According to Heroic Hollywood, Barbieri has been casted to star along side Tom Holland, who will play Peter Parker, as one of his friends.
Comicbook.com cited sources that claim that the actor is set to play a character based on Gank Lee, who was a friend of Miles Morales in the comics – the character that replaced Spider-Man after Peter Parker dies.
This character is said to be obsessed with superheroes and an optimist even after the death of his pal Peter Parker.
If these rumours are anything to go by, the casting decision would land Marvel Studios in yet another case of whitewashing. Earlier this year, the studio came under scrutiny for white washing after its first trailer for Doctor Strange was launched. The trailer showed Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One, a traditionally Asian character.
However, whilst Barbieri has been confirmed as being casted in the latest web-slinging film, rumours about which character he will be playing are yet to be confirmed. Barbieri will be joined by Marissa Tomei as Aunt May, Zendaya and reportedly Michael Keaton and Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man.
‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ is set for release on 28 July 2017, and begins filming soon.
