In "Spider-Man: Homecoming," the "8 years later" text refers to the timeline following the events of "Captain America: Civil War," which took place in 2016. The film suggests that Spider-Man's journey as a hero began shortly after the Battle of New York in "The Avengers," which occurred in 2012. By stating "8 years later," it indicates that the story takes place in 2020, placing the events of "Homecoming" in the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline and highlighting Spider-Man's growth and experiences since he first appeared.

"Spider-Man: Homecoming" is not the first Spider-Man film, but it is the first solo film featuring Tom Holland as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Released in 2017, it follows Peter Parker as he navigates high school life while trying to prove himself as a superhero. The character of Spider-Man has been portrayed in previous film series, notably by Tobey Maguire in the early 2000s and by Andrew Garfield in the 2010s. "Homecoming" marks a new beginning for the character within the MCU framework.

Sony canceled "Spider-Man 4" primarily due to a combination of factors, including the mixed critical and commercial reception of "Spider-Man 3" (2007), which led to creative doubts about the franchise's direction. Additionally, changes in the studio’s management and a desire to reboot the series contributed to the decision. Ultimately, the studio chose to relaunch Spider-Man with "The Amazing Spider-Man" in 2012, aiming for a fresh start with a new cast and storyline.

Zendaya was born on September 1, 1996. "Spider-Man: Homecoming" was released on July 7, 2017. At that time, she was 20 years old. In the film, she plays the character Michelle, who is a high school student alongside Tom Holland's Peter Parker.