According to Joe Jonas, Andrew Garfield won the role of Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man despite Jonas’ audition. Five years after Tobey Maguire starred in Sam Raimi’s popular Spider-Man trilogy, the series was revived with a fresh actor donning the mask. In addition to reprising his role as Spider-Man in 2014’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, Garfield made his acting debut in the part in 2012. Compared to Maguire’s representations, Garfield’s Peter Parker and Spider-Man were more conceited as Peter and snarkier than Spider-Man. Although his portrayal of Peter drew some criticism, fans liked his witty Web-slinger.
Josh Hutcherson and, reportedly, singer/songwriter/actor Jonas were both considered for the role at the time, despite Garfield’s success as the hero, which has increased since his appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home. In an interview with the Just For Variety podcast, Jonas—who will star in the war drama Devotion—recalls the roles that slipped through his fingers over the years, placing Spider-Man at the top of the list and even claiming he’s positive he once owned a Spider-Man suit. Although Jonas was disappointed not to get the part, he thinks Garfield was the right choice to play the hero and is appreciative of the audition process. Check out his comments below:
I can name probably a couple [roles]. In the moment, you’re destroyed or you’re defeated. But you realize this person was brilliant. I remember years ago I was up for Spider-Man and I was so, so excited and it was the year Andrew Garfield got it. Obviously, he was the right one. But I remember that was a big thing at the time, going back for callbacks and the director used to be a music video director. So I was like, ‘I got an in here.’ But you know what? I love the process of auditioning and putting yourself out there and having to prove yourself.
How Joe Jonas would have changed The Amazing Spider-Man
Jonas chose a different route than Garfield, who started his career with theatre training and experience before gradually establishing himself in parts on television and in films. The singer first gained attention for his musical prowess alongside his brothers, and then gained fame as a member of the well-known boy band The Jonas Brothers. Three years later, in 2008, he made his acting debut in the Disney Channel film Camp Rock. He later starred with his brothers in the Jonas television series.
While Jonas has some acting experience, his musical career is more well-known. However, it is obvious from his account of the audition process that he sought to increase his acting resume by expanding and looking for new assignments. Although playing Spider-Man would have solidified Jonas’ status as a movie star, his performance as the superhero is likely to have drawn criticism despite his acting prowess. As previously mentioned, viewers criticized Garfield’s portrayal of Peter for not being nerdy or awkward enough, so casting an internationally renowned pop star like Jonas in the part was probably not popular with those hoping for a more faithful representation of the adored hero in the comics.
The Amazing Spider-Man would have been less engaging in 2012 if Jonas had achieved the same degree of stardom since it could have been impossible for viewers to distinguish the pop sensation from Peter. Additionally, Jonas’ rigorous schedule might have hampered the difficult filming of the comic book movies, possibly causing a lengthier gap between The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, or even the sequel’s nonexistence. Jonas is right when he says Garfield was the best choice, especially since Garfield was able to bring the character back and give his fans closure in Spider-Man: No Way Home. However, Jonas’ fans would have probably attracted an even greater audience to the franchise.