Spidey’s back, but now he’s black and Latino

LOS ANGELES: For what seems like the umpteenth time, Spider-Man is back on the big screen.

But this year, when Hollywood is under the microscope on the hot button issue of diversity, the superhero is half-black and half-Latino.

Step aside, Peter Parker. There’s a new Spidey in town: Miles Morales.

Miles is not new to comic book readers, but he is new to theatre-goers, who earlier this year embraced the long-awaited arrival of the Marvel universe’s first black hero, Black Panther, on the silver screen.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which hits US theaters on Dec 14, is a free-wheeling animated look at the multiple Spideys in parallel dimensions, including Spider-Ham (yes, a pig) and two women.

This time, an older Parker is a mentor to Miles, who is voiced by actor-singer Shameik Moore.

The cast also features Oscar winners Mahershala Ali and Nicolas Cage, and Oscar nominees Hailee Steinfeld and Lily Tomlin.

The film is generating major buzz and currently has a 100% “fresh rating” on Rotten Tomatoes.

The idea for a Spider-Man of colour took hold in 2008, when Barack Obama was elected US president.

Miles, whose father is black and mother is Latina, first hit comic book stands as Spider-Man in a parallel universe in 2011.

A film adaptation always seemed likely, as Tinseltown works to show that not all superheroes have to be white men.

Black Panther and Wonder Woman stand as proof that fans are ready for different heroes.

“Everything is based off the business,” said Jake Johnson, who plays Parker in the new film.

“The reason projects are getting more multicultural and more women as leaders ... people want to see that, they’re paying to see it.”