Spider-Man: Homecoming Chase Scene Inspired By Ferris Bueller

CBR

By Jon Arvedon

Published Apr 22, 2017

Co-producer Eric Carroll reveals one of "Spider-Man: Homecoming's" sequences is a direct homage to the John Hughes classic.

"Spider-Man: Homecoming" director Jon Watts recently explained that one of the franchise reboot's biggest influences was John Hughes, known for such classics as "Home Alone," "The Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles." So it's perhaps of little surprise that Watts paid tribute to the late filmmaker by placing the web-slinger in the middle of a wacky neighborhood chase scene, inspired by "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

During a set visit, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" co-producer Eric Carroll revealed to Screen Rant what he believes will be one of the highlights of the film. "They go through this great 'Ferris Bueller'-inspired chase through this neighborhood, where these guys from the Shocker, they got in one good clock," he said. "Spider-Man was not expecting that. So they get a jump on him, they tear off, and Spider-Man gives chase. It’s a lot of fun. He’s running through people’s backyards, he’s encountering friendly dogs, things like that. We think it’s going to be one of the signature sequences in the film."

If that sounds at all familiar, perhaps it's because we get a brief glimpse of the sequence playing out in the latest "Spider-Man: Homecoming" trailer, at about the 20-second mark. In fact, Watts even seemed to allude to this scene previously, when he said, "There’s one very direct reference that no one will miss," referring to the film's nods to Hughes.

From a tonal perspective, it makes perfect sense that Watts would look to someone like Hughes for inspiration. Aside from the lack of superheroes, many of his high school films from the '80s and '90s feel as if they would be a natural fit for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Perhaps even more importantly, it shows that Watts and company are really going all-in on the belief that Tom Holland's Peter Parker isn't defined by his life as costumed crime-fighter; he's also a relatable high school student, an important aspect that took a backseat in both Sam Raimi and Marc Webb's takes on the iconic character.

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” follows the events of “Captain America: Civil War.” Described as “a coming-of-age story,” the film finds Peter attending his high school for gifted kids, trying to impress his new benefactor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and also dealing with a pesky arch enemy, the Vulture (Michael Keaton).

Directed by Jon Watts (“Clown”), written by John Francis Daley and Jonathan M. Goldstein (“Vacation”), and starring Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., Zendaya, Donald Glover, and many, many others, “Spider-Man: Homecoming” swings into theaters on July 7.