Dreams Come True For ‘Spider-Man’ Actor Jacob Batalon

Jon Watts’ “Spider-Man: Homecoming” swings into theaters on July 7 with a brand new vision for the superhero, including a new face to play Spidey’s best friend and sidekick.

Jacob Batalon, who is Filipino American, had just one acting credit to his name (as Cooper in the 2016 film “North Woods”) when he landed the coveted role of Ned Leeds in the newest “Spider-Man” adaptation.

Batalon told NBC News that the audition process began months ago, when he filmed himself reading from an untitled Marvel script at his cousin’s Connecticut home. The 21-year-old then broke the good news to his family at a party following his graduation from the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts last spring.

Watts’ “Spider-Man” takes place right after the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” where Peter Parker has returned home and must go back to the banality of high school life, complete with bullies, pop quizzes and unrequited love. To further complicate things, he must keep his web-slinging, crime-fighting life as a superhero a secret.

To get ready to play Ned Leeds, Batalon read the Spidey comics and was amused to find that his character is “this six-foot tall blonde guy who reports for the Daily Bugle,” a far cry from the uncool 15-year-old teenager that Batalon plays alongside Tom Holland’s Peter Parker.

The character of Ned Leeds has seen quite a few transformations over the life of the Spider-Man comic series. He has been both good and bad, old and young, and has even been Asian. “I’m really proud to represent the Asian community, and I’m proud that Filipinos are proud of me,” Batalon, who was born in Hawaii, told NBC.

“I think the one thing that people will relate to is that he’s the fan getting to live his dream,” Batalon said. “He’s kind of like the representation of everyone who has ever wondered what’s like to be in the life of a superhero.”

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” will be released Friday. It is produced by Marvel Studios, Columbia Pictures and Pascal Pictures and executive produced by Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal.

Watch the trailer below, and make plans to hit up your local theater this week!