‘I Called My Agent…’: The Time Laura Harrier Thought Zendaya Got Her Role in Spider-Man: Homecoming

As someone who has always admired the resilience and talent displayed by actresses in Hollywood, I find the journey of Laura Harrier and Zendaya particularly inspiring. Having followed their careers since the release of Spider-Man: Homecoming, it is fascinating to see how they have grown and thrived in this industry.

In the world of entertainment, rivalry among actors is not uncommon, and this was also true for the movie “Spider-Man: Homecoming”. Laura Harrier, who portrayed Liz Toomes in the Marvel production, initially believed that Zendaya had taken her role. During an interview, Harrier offered a captivating insider’s view of her casting process, her bond with Zendaya, and the innovative decisions made by Marvel Studios.

At first, Laura Harrier thought she might not get the role in Spider-Man: Homecoming when she heard that Zendaya had been cast after their screen tests. However, speaking to Net-a-Porter, Harrier explained, “I hadn’t received any news following my screen test for Spider-Man. A few weeks later, it was announced that Zendaya would join the cast, so I assumed I wasn’t chosen. But my agent informed me that I was still being considered.

In that period, Zendaya had already established herself as a Disney star with wide recognition and a substantial fanbase. When it was announced that she would join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fans assumed she might play Mary Jane Watson, Peter Parker’s well-known romantic interest. However, by taking on the role of MJ and Harrier playing Liz Toomes, they introduced an exciting new dimension to the series.

Harrier praised Marvel for their progressive move in assigning substantial roles to two women of color, stating it as a pioneering decision. “I found it amazing and revolutionary that Marvel cast us both in these roles without making it about our ethnicity. Instead, we were simply girls attending school in New York City, mirroring the city’s diversity. Filming was an enjoyable experience for me, and I’m thankful to Zendaya for being a part of it. Spending time swinging on those wires was thrilling!

Although she didn’t reappear in Spider-Man: Far From Home, Harrier cherishes her past experiences with Marvel and values the close relationships she’s developed within the industry. “Having friends like these makes me incredibly thankful. They were there every step of the way, understanding the peculiarities of this job that can sometimes feel surreal. Friends I met on set, such as Zendaya, Yara [Shahidi], and Alycia Debnam-Carey – having them by my side has made this journey a lot less intimidating and more manageable.

Seven years after the debut of Spider-Man: Homecoming, Harrier and Zendaya have both cemented their places in Hollywood. Harrier has taken on leading roles such as those in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series Hollywood, while Zendaya has soared to greater heights with her appearances in critically acclaimed productions like Dune and Euphoria. Their collaboration on Spider-Man not only demonstrates Marvel Studios’ dedication to diversity but also underscores the importance of friendship in a challenging profession.

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2024-12-21 15:22