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29th July 2026
We are excited to share that 2026 MFA Professional Acting graduate Johnson Brock is on the big screen in the latest Spider-Man Marvel blockbuster, Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
We caught up with Johnson to find out what the audition process was like and the feeling of being on set for such a big-budget film.
What rehearsal prep did you have to do for the production?
The auditions happened in early spring 2025, it was a dance call at Pineapple studios…but they didn’t say it was it was for Spider-Man, some strange code name. I loved the choreo and made it to the end of all the cuts that day, so I was hopeful something might happen. I messaged the choreographer on Instagram thanking him for an awesome audition day. Then I heard nothing for 4 months until 2 days before the shoot! I got a call on holiday and was asked, “Can you be at Pinewood Studios in two days for a Marvel shoot?” I was like, heck yeah!
What was a general production day like for you?
The rehearsals took place in an open warehouse space in Pinewood, and we had costume fittings to make sure our clothes were mover-friendly.
Are there specific skills you had to use whilst on set?
The attention to detail of breath and movement was essential to our rehearsal process, because our job was to establish the movement vocabulary for how the superpowers worked.
What was different about the production process in comparison with other film or TV projects you’ve been a part of before?
So much bigger than what I have done before!
What was the biggest challenge?
Letting all the rehearsal info go when we got on set; we adjusted everything, and it seemed like nothing we rehearsed was used…but that was great learning to just be flexible and go with what the director wanted.
Were you a fan of the comics before you started the project, and if not, are you now?
I always have loved Spider-Man because of his dance-like agility when flying through the air.
Is there something you learned that you didn’t think you would?
Stamina is so needed on shoot day! We had to hold for like 20min because one of the small children and adorable 4-year-old girl, was not ready to play with her bubbles in the background of the shot again…gave me mad respect for the kid’s chaperones who have to keep the kiddos interested and engaged in the shoot. Eventually, a bribe of cotton candy helped get us shooting again.
How was the catering?
The best part was catering! We had multiple different food trucks to choose from while in rehearsals at Pinewood. Then, while on set at Battersea Park, we had a great coffee truck that was needed to get through a long day.
Swing in to your local cinema to see Johnson on the big screen in Spider-Man: Brand New Day across UK cinemas now.
Behind-the-scenes photo provided by Johnson Brock