The entertainment industry often fosters competition between actors, and Spider-Man: Homecoming was no exception. Laura Harrier, who plays Liz Toomes in the Marvel movie, once thought she lost her role to Zendaya. Reflecting on her journey in an interview, Harrier shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at her casting experience, her friendship with Zendaya, and the unprecedented choices Marvel Studios made.
After completing her screen test for Spider-Man: Homecoming, Laura Harrier was initially afraid that Zendaya had been cast in the role. Speaking to Net-a-Porter, Harrier revealed, “After I did my screen test for Spider-Man, before I even heard anything, a few weeks later I found out that Zendaya was being cast in it. So I just thought I didn’t get the job. I called my agent and he assured me I was still in the running.”
At the time, Zendaya was already a Disney star and a household name with a massive following. When news of her joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe broke, fans speculated that she would play Mary Jane Watson, Peter Parker’s iconic girlfriend. However, Zendaya’s role as MJ and Liz Toomes’ portrayal of the Harrier provided a new dynamic to the franchise.
Harrier described Marvel’s decision to cast women of color in significant roles as unprecedented. “I thought it was an incredible and unprecedented move by Marvel to put both of us in those roles and not talk about our blackness. We were just girls who went to a school in New York, and that’s what New York City looks like in the movies. It should be like that. We had the best time making that movie. Zendaya and I are friends now, and I’m really grateful for that.
Despite not returning for Spider-Man: Far From Home, Harrier fondly remembers her time with Marvel and appreciates the friendships she made in the industry. “It makes me really grateful to have friends like her, who have been there through the whole thing and can relate to this sometimes-weird experience of the job. Friends I met at work, like Zendaya, Yara (Shahidi), Alicia Debnam-Carrie-It would be a lot scarier and more difficult without the good friends I’ve made.”
Now, more than seven years after the release of Spider-Man: Homecoming, Harrier has continued to establish himself in Hollywood, including starring roles in shows like Ryan Murphy’s Netflix show Hollywood. Zendaya, on the other hand, has reached new heights by starring in critically acclaimed projects like Dune and Euphoria. Their shared experience on Spider-Man not only reflects Marvel’s commitment to diversity, but also the power of friendship in a demanding industry.
Also read: What is Zendaya’s net worth in 2024? Everything to know about the actress’ illustrious career
