'Spider-Man: Homecoming' release date and news: Jacob Batalon joins cast as Ned Leeds

Next year will mark the arrival of "Spider-Man: Homecoming" — yet another reboot of the "Spider-Man" franchise — and it will be starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man who was introduced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe through "Captain America: Civil War."

Though some members of the cast have been announced, their characters have still remained a mystery. Jacob Batalon, however, has just confirmed what his role will be in the movie, and he will portray the classic comic character Ned Leeds.

In an interview with KHON2 News, Batalon said, "I play Peter Parker's best friend in the film. We are both in high school; we are about 15. And it's just about Peter dealing with being a superhero and going through puberty. He still has to worry about homework; he still has to worry about his crush liking him, while trying to save someone who's probably in a burning building. He can't tell anyone because he's not the cool kid, so he's just stuck with this really cool life that he can't tell anyone about."

In the comics, Ned Leeds is another reporter in the Daily Bugle who competes with Peter Parker for the affection of J. Jonah Jameson's secretary, Betty Brandt. In one story arc in the comics, Ned was also brainwashed and turned into a scapegoat by the Hobgoblin. This of course made Ned unstable and it ruined his life, eventually leading to his death in the comics.

For this movie, however, there looks to be a change in Ned's origin. Some have even pointed out that he may have similar traits to Ganke, the best friend of the newer Spider-Man, Miles Morales. Aside from being high school friends with Morales, Ganke has also been portrayed to be a little overweight, much like Batalon. Perhaps the movie will be drawing elements from both Peter Parker and Miles Morales' stories.

"Spider-Man: Homcoming" is set to come out on July 7, 2017.