 In May 2010 , The Hollywood Reporter said the actors who met with Webb to be considered for the lead role included Jamie Bell , Alden Ehrenreich , Frank Dillane , <unk> <unk> , Garfield and Josh Hutcherson . In June 2010 the Los Angeles Times reported that the shortlist had expanded to include Aaron Johnson and Anton Yelchin . At least Bell , Ehrenreich , Garfield , Yelchin , Logan Lerman and Michael <unk> had screen tests . On July 1 , 2010 , the choice of Garfield was confirmed . Webb stated that he felt he knew Garfield was the right guy when they were filming a cutscene where he was eating a cheeseburger while telling Gwen to calm down . 
