“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” director Destin Daniel Cretton brought a very special date to the Hollywood premiere of the new film on Monday night: his mom.
The pair were spotted hamming it up together on the carpet before making their way into the Dolby Theater. When he took the stage to introduce the screening, he made sure his special guest, Janice, was in her seat for his big moment, asking the crowd, “Did my mom make it in from the bathroom yet?”
After confirming she was in her seat, Cretton seemed to choke back tears as he reflected on the people in his life who helped make this dream a reality, calling them his “web of connection.”
“My mom is here. It’s her first time at a big Hollywood movie premiere. She made me this lei,” he said, gesturing to the lush green garland over his shoulders and thanking her for flying in from Hawaii.
“My web starts with my wife, Nikki, and my kids, who were with me throughout all the ups and downs of this experience. Through the times of joy and the times of anxiety. Right now is a time of anxiety,” he said, prompting a big laugh from the packed house.
Although that anxiety was unfounded — early reviews have showered the superhero flick with near universal acclaim, and it’s already tracking for a $250 million-plus opening weekend domestically.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” picks up after Peter Parker erased himself from the memories of those he loves.
In addition to Tom Holland, the film stars Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Sadie Sink and Jacob Batalon — all of whom were on hand Monday night.
The splashy premiere featured themed photo-ops and a blue carpet packed with celebs, including Michael B. Jordan, directing duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller, Jaden Smith, Keith David, Steve Lacy, streamer Pokimane and Japanese rock band Mrs. Green Apple.
“Obsession’s” director Curry Barker and star Cooper Tomlinson were spotted together in aisle seats inside, where they were mobbed by fans praising the record-breaking horror film.
