Jon Watts

We’ve known for some time now that Peter Parker would be heading back to high school in Sony and Marvel’s upcoming Spider-Man reboot — Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has mentioned John Hughes’ coming-of-age ’80s films as inspiration for the tone of the new standalone movie, and the casting of Tom Holland further indicated that Spider-Man is indeed skewing a bit younger this time around. But just how young? Director Jon Watts has an answer.

ScreenCrush’s Comic Strip is a weekly roundup of the hottest superhero movie / TV news items. From Marvel to DC and points in between, if it pertains to costumed comic book heroes, we’re covering it here, bringing you our expert analysis. This week, check out new photos from the set of upcoming comic book movies, ponder the idea of Ronda Rousey playing a superhero, and catch up on the latest Spider-Man movie talk.

Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige previously discussed the tone of the upcoming Spider-Man reboot, comparing it to the classic teen films of John Hughes. That’s a pretty high bar to set for the franchise, but an admirable aspiration all the same. It’s a challenge that director Jon Watts seems capable of taking on, and while we don’t know too much just yet about his plans, Watts has opened the door just a crack to give us a peek at what he has in store for Spidey.

Recently, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has been talking up the Spider-Man reboot, comparing the intended tone to something along the lines of John Hughes’ teen movies in the ‘80s. Have Marvel and Sony found the right writers to deliver that promise? The studios are eyeing the writers of another upcoming reboot to help reshape the web-slinger’s franchise.

Via a press release at Marvel.com, Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios have announced that they’ve found their next Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. It’s Tom Holland, the 19-year-old British actor best known as one of the stars of The Impossible. The studios also announced they’ve chosen a director to make the next Spider-Man movie, and it’s a surprising choice: Jon Watts, the director of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival selection Cop Car.