British actor Andrew Garfield has revealed that Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti inspired his portrayal of Spider-Man.
Garfield said he started listening to Fela’s music when he first got the role of Spider-Man and found the sound and rhythm useful in developing the character.
“I started listening to Fela Kuti when I first got Spider-Man, and there was something about the sound and the rhythm that was really useful to me for that character,” he said.
He explained that Fela’s music helped him connect with the physicality of the character, as well as themes of justice and rebellion associated with the Nigerian music legend.
Garfield said the movement and rhythm of Fela’s music influenced how he moved while wearing the Spider-Man suit.
“There was something about suddenly being in touch with the body, but also justice-seeking, because obviously he was a revolutionary figure,” Garfield said.
The actor added that he was drawn to the power and energy of Fela’s music and wanted to reflect some of that quality in his portrayal of the superhero.
