The success of Spider-Man: No Way Home is insane at the moment, breaking number records in a pandemic as well as becoming the second-highest opening of all time.
While the movie was shooting, Jamie Foxx was brought back as his Amazing Spider-Man 2 villain… Electro. However, Jamie Foxx was not available in the early production of No Way Home so Marvel had to cast a double to do some dialogue, as well as scenes for Jamie’s character, the actor cast in this role, was Jermaine Rivers.
Jermaine is known for his role of The Gifted as the mutant “Shatter” shot around 5 of his scenes and delivered much of his dialogue exchange with the rest of the cast.
We got the chance to speak with Jermaine about his time shooting the movie, as well as what it was like working with the cast and crew.
Firstly, congratulations on the success of the movie, with you being a double, this is your movie just as much as the rest of the cast and crew.
Let’s talk about the beginning, how did you come by this project role?
The offer to double as Electro came to me from a Casting Director who also cast me as Shatter in The Gifted. Apparently, Jamie Fox was filming other projects at the time Spider-Man NWH was in production and they needed someone to bring the same energy (pun intended) and deliver his dialogue as Electro in scenes where the coverage was on the other actors. Just having an opportunity to work in an MCU film was going to be a good look, so how could I refuse. I accepted the role and the rest is history?
How was the filming process, expecially while shooting the movie through the pandemic?
When I came on board production was already in full swing and their Covid testing protocols were air-tight. I tested on average 3 times prior to working to include on the day. It was an extremely safe set, masks were worn at all times, social distancing was being enforced, etc.
Was this your first meeting with any of the actors on this movie set?
Yes, this was my first time working with any of the actors in this film.
What was it like working with the cast?
Everyone was great! Naturally, Tom, Zendaya, and Jacob were already like a blended family having worked together on two subsequent films, but the rest of the supporting cast was equally pleasant to work and chat within between takes.
Knowing just how secretive Marvel is surrounding their projects, did this put pressure on you as not only an actor but as a fan yourself?
I felt no pressure at all, simply because I always try to maintain a level of secrecy with anything I work on. You don’t want to be the guy to spoil a tentpole MCU film because you couldn’t keep your mouth shut.
Did it feel weird not being able to talk to anyone about it?
It didn’t feel weird at all. Plus, the legal ramifications of being sued by Marvel because of violating the terms of an NDA just aren’t worth it.
What were your first thoughts on reading the story and knowing what is about to come to life in the MCU?
I don’t think anyone with the exception of Tom and Jon Watts (director) actually had the full script. I was only given my sides for the scenes that I was shooting hours before I went to set. I literally was handed heavily redacted sides that I had to read, remember and perform… in that order. I LOVED IT!!
What was it like working with Tobey, Andrew, and Tom, and did it feel strange to see the OG Spider-Man and the Sony version appear?
I only worked with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. The set was so secretive I didn’t know that those other guys were going to be part of the cast, it was all just rumored at that point. Production went to great lengths to keep all the players hidden until you got on set and was like “Hey they Bought you in Too?”
What was this filming like compared to another marvel project you were an actor on, The Gifted?
Filming this project was very fast-paced, there was no real lag time. Everyone showed up prepared and did their job. The director was laser-focused, he knew what he wanted and kept it moving after he got the shot. It was like a well-oiled machine. The Gifted set was good to work on too but, MCU Films are just on a whole different level because of its interconnectivity there’s no margin for error or self-indulgence.
What was it like acting next to the likes of Alfred Molina and Willem Dafoe? Were you nervous?
Although I’m a huge fan of both actors I wasn’t nervous at all. Both Willem Dafoe and Alfred Molina were absolutely lovely to work and converse with between scenes. As a professional I show up ready to do my job, there’s never a place in my process that allows for me to be nervous.
Favorite moment from the movie?
Watching Andrew Garfield and Toby Maguire step through those portals was definitely a highlight. Also, seeing Charlie Cox reprise his role as Matt Murdock in the MCU was a big moment to see as well.
I don’t know if you know, but there is currently a rumor of Sony wanting to develop an Electro project in the future, giving the chance, would you return as a double for that project if it were to happen?
This was a first- and last-time experience for me so no I wouldn’t want to return as Electro’s Double. However, if they gave him a stand-alone film I would be open to playing in a lead or supporting role opposite him though. That would be nice!
As a comic book fan, what did you instantly think about the story?
I thought the story was very well balanced and did a really good job at adding more range and depth with regards to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and his character development. It had some really raw and grounded moments where it showed not only him being physically pushed to the limit, but also his humanity being tested and almost failing to show restraint. Nothing felt rushed or lackluster in the performances. I laughed and even shed a tear watching these moments play out on the big screen.
Were you shocked at any moment on set with any cameo or appearance?
Watching the film, I was very shocked! But every day I showed up to set was a surprise. My knowledge of what was going on was limited only to the sides that were given and that’s it. I’m honestly not very curious, so I was never showing up to set anxious to see who else was in the movie.
Lastly, going into this project, did you expect it to be as crazy as it is with the fan reaction, as well as the insane box office numbers?
I knew that this had the potential of being a huge film, simply because everyone loves Spider-Man and the MCU in general. However, I always check my emotions and just focus on giving the actor standing across from me everything they needed to bring out their best performances. Nothing else entered my mind or mattered to me in those moments, especially not what it could do at the box office.
We want to say a massive thank you to Jermaine who was willing to answer these questions and speak about his time on set, his co-workers, and the process of being cast in such an iconic movie.
You can catch Jermaine in the upcoming season of POWER: Book III in a guest-starring role, he’s also in BET series TALES as Dwayne in a lead role as well as an upcoming DC movie, Black Adam.
You can also check out Jermaine’s IMDB page by clicking here.
