Spider-Man: Homecoming’s secret casting choice is keeping the MCU in the family

When Sony confirmed rumors that Jennifer Connelly is on the cast of Spider-Man: Homecoming, it gave a big helping of fuel to the fire of a certain rumor. The question remained: Who was she playing?

But let’s step back: Here’s why there was a rumor in the first place, one easily described as “hugely satisfying if true.” It’s about the backstory of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the backstory of some actual actors.

If knowing who Jennifer Connelly is in Spider-Man: Homecoming is a spoiler to you, don’t read further.

Now that we’ve seen the film — and the credits — we know that Connelly voices the artificial intelligence that helps Peter control his spider-suit. We’ve seen it in trailers, telling him about his web-shooter combinations. Peter’s suit, and the AI that lives in it, were crafted by Tony Stark (Iron Man), no stranger to relying on computerized help to do his crime fighting.

Tony’s J.A.R.V.I.S. system was initially created to run his home, and adapted into the onboard computers of the Iron Man armors. Through a series of later events, J.A.R.V.I.S. was assimilated into the Avenger known as the Vision, after which we see Tony using another AI, called F.R.I.D.A.Y.

Here’s the satisfying part: J.A.R.V.I.S. and the Vision are voiced by Paul Bettany, while the AI in Peter Parker’s spider-suit is voiced by Jennifer Connelly. And in the real world, Bettany and Connelly are married, providing an interesting secret family relationship between Tony and Peter’s equipment for those who are aware of the connection.

Spider-Man: Homecoming is actually Connelly’s second turn in a Marvel movie, though it’s her first to officially be considered a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She played Betty Ross in 2003’s Hulk.

Homecoming will hit theaters on July 7, and you can read our review right here.