Marvel fans were stunned but stoked when Academy-Award winner Marisa Tomei joined the MCU in Captain America: Civil War as Peter Parker’s beloved Aunt May. Much younger than the onscreen Mays previously played by Rosemary Harris (Spider-Man) and Sally Field (The Amazing Spider-Man), this gold-hearted guardian of Peter Parker brings a fresh perspective and new verve to his first MCU spinoff Spider-Man: Homecoming. And the good news for the rebooted Spidey film kept coming, as Marvel announced that Peter’s schoolmates would be portrayed by charismatic trio of Zendaya, Laura Harrier, and Jacob Batalon.

Nerdist sat down with all of the above for a pair of interviews about the quirks and virtues of their lovable characters. First, Zendaya, Harrier, and Batalon gave us the inside scoop on what it’s like to be the first generation of MCU stars who had the advantage of growing up watching this spectacular franchise unfold, much like their Spider-Man: Homecoming characters would have grown up watching the exploits of the Avengers. Moreover, Zendaya broke down how her cynical Michelle and Jacob’s fanboy Ned might feel about Spidey and his super-powered colleagues, while Harrier confessed her lovely Liz crushes hard on these daring do-gooders. Then with Tomei, we talked all things Aunt May.

In the film, May Parker’s no dear old biddy that needs protecting from the weird realities of her superhero nephew’s secret life, but Spider-Man: Homecoming alludes to a family tragedy that understandably makes Peter protective of her. We discussed their caring but complicated relationship with Tomei, and got into the unseen Uncle Ben. How does his absence affect the family this time? And what was it like working with Tom Holland? All this and more can be found in the video above.

Spider-Man: Homecoming opens July 7th.

Who would you dream cast as Young Uncle Ben? Let us know in comments.

Image: Marvel Studios