Betty Brant is an important character in Spider-Man comics, one that dates all the way back to the 60's as one of Peter Parker's very first acquaintances. She even appeared in the Sam Raimi trilogy of films, portrayed by Elizabeth Banks.
The new and younger version of the character attending Midtown High in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (for now) is played by Actress angourie Rice
(Black Mirror). The difference in the size of her role between the two films is quite large, and she opens up now about how that went. Did she know about how much bigger her role would be?
Kind of. Everything is so secretive with Marvel, and I completely understand it. It’s such an expansive universe, and there are so many people dedicated to the story. So, it is sometimes hard to figure out what’s going on when you’re on set because they’re so secretive about it. But, when I read the script for the first time, I was really excited by the role and to be more involved in the action. That was really exciting because I got to travel around with the cast. It was a really fun shoot, and it was really nice to be more involved in this one. We traveled around together for four months, and it was just a lovely adventure to have over summer.
One of the biggest scenes for her character was the one where she and Ned (Jacob Batalon) were stuck in a Ferris Wheel, calling to the "Night Monkey" for help. She talks about how being there made all the difference.
For the Ferris wheel scene, it definitely helped that Jacob and I were actually stuck on top of the Ferris wheel. The only way we were going to get down was if someone pressed a button down on the ground. That definitely added this level of excitement. It was also really fun because, usually, when you film a scene, you are taken out of it for a new setup or because there are lots of people running around and moving things. But, if you’re stuck in a little passenger car on a Ferris wheel, it’s actually really chilled out because there’s nowhere to go and there’s nothing to stress about — you’re just sitting in the same spot. So, it was really nice because I don’t think you get that on productions a lot. I always find location filming stressful because it’s a new environment, but filming in those magnificent location spots in Prague and Venice was just incredible.
Regarding one of the funnier scenes her character is in, she mentions the weapon scene with Jon Favreau/
I learned what it is it’s called a halberd. The more you know, right? (Laughs.) I didn’t choose it. They said, “We want you to run here, and you’re going to pick it up from this suit of armor.” But, I was excited to have it. It’s super heavy! I remember my arms getting sore from holding it. I definitely felt very powerful carrying that around.
What do you think of Rice's comments? If you haven't seen it yet, check out the trailer for Spider-Man: Far From Home below!
Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.
Spider-Man: Far From Home is currently available for purchase on Blu-Ray and 4KHD.