Laura Harrier praises Marvel for casting both her and Zendaya in Spider-Man: Homecoming

Laura Harrier has revealed she thought it was ‘ground-breaking’ of Marvel to cast both her and Zendaya in Spider-Man: Homecoming and ‘not make it about our blackness’.

The actress, 30, played Peter Parker’s love interest Liz in the blockbuster film while Zendaya starred as his classmate, Michelle ‘MJ’.

Speaking to NET-A-PORTER’s digital title, Porter, Laura admitted that when she learned Zendaya had been cast in the film, she was surprised to discover she was still in the running for another role.  

She said: ‘After I did my screen test for Spiderman, before I had heard anything, it came out a few weeks later that Zendaya was going to be cast in it, so I just figured I hadn’t got the job. She must have. 

‘I called my agent and they reassured me I was still in the running. I thought it was incredible and ground-breaking of Marvel to put us both in those roles and not to make it about our blackness. 

‘We were just girls who went to a school in New York and that’s what New York City looks like; films should reflect that. We had the best time making that movie. Zendaya and I are friends now and I’m really grateful for her.’

Spider-Man: Homecoming, which starred Tom Holland in the lead role, was a box office success, grossing $880.2million (£707million) worldwide. 

Laura, who currently stars as Camille Washington in Netflix’s Hollywood, also told the publication that she finds it ‘strange’ to be asked what it’s like to be a black woman in Hollywood as she doesn’t know any different.

Although she doesn’t want to speak for anyone else, Laura said she wants to be a ‘champion’ and ‘representational’ for other young women. 

The film star also discussed her recent 30th birthday party, explaining she thought she would feel way different upon reaching the milestone birthday but feels the exact same.

Laura has been self-isolating amid the coronavirus pandemic so had a virtual Zoom birthday with her nearest and dearest.

The actress went all out for her special day and wore a a scarlet and fuchsia Solace London from NET-A-PORTER while her virtual attendees also dressed up.   

Being in lockdown has taught the star that she is bad at being alone, explaining she is someone who is always surrounded by people.

Laura said she has used the time in self-isolation to be more introspective and to ‘slow down’. 

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