'Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales' star Nadji Jeter on the power of representation in video games
For the past three years, Nadji Jeter has been the voice of Miles Morales, one of the characters known as Spider-Man, both on TV and in video games.
First he was cast on the Disney XD series "Marvel's Spider-Man" -- a role he's played since 2017 -- as the biracial superhero. Then, on the PlayStation, he played a minor role in 2018's "Marvel's Spider-Man" on the PS4 and took over as lead for 2020's "Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales," a launch title for the PS5.
"Good Morning America" caught up with Jeter, a 24-year-old from Atlanta, to discuss his connection to Miles, how important the representation Miles brings is to him personally and what we could all learn from Miles -- especially this year.
How does it feel to be the voice of Miles -- not just in these video games but also on the Disney XD animated series, too?
It's an honor to play such an impactful and influential character. To carry on this legacy means a lot! I'm excited for the fans to see how we continue to bring Miles to life!
Do you feel a sense of responsibility playing such a beloved character?
Yes, I feel a huge responsibility -- especially playing a superhero of color in the society we currently live in. To show the youth something different, I feel responsible to the kids who look like me and Miles. It’s important to me that they see themselves when they are playing the game or watching the show.
In what ways do you most connect with the character of Miles?
Miles and I have a very similar background, having been raised by a strong single mother and both being heavily influenced by our family's cultural background -- he’s Puerto Rican and I’m Jamaican. Also, we're both heavily influenced by music and I love science just like Miles!
How does Miles inspire you?
He reminds me that we have an unstoppable spirit. He’s not intimidated by any obstacles, despite having the odds against him and the world on his shoulders.
Did you grow up reading Spider-Man comics? How did you feel when you learned there was this "other" Spider-Man that looked more like you?
I grew up in the Toby Maguire era, so I definitely watched all the movies and for sure read the comics! I even had the real-life action figures! I was excited to learn that there was a character who looked like me. I felt like my opportunities were limitless. So, to be a part of this project is amazing!
Players see Miles connect with a community in Harlem and there's even a Black Lives Matter shoutout. How important was that representation for you?
It's indescribable. It’s extremely important especially given the recent events in the U.S. with the killings of unarmed black and brown people and the lack of indictments that follow. Whenever we can shed light on the treatment of black and brown people in America, we need to do that. I think we have a responsibility to speak up.
Have you had any moments where it hit you just how important this character is to fans?
Recently, I was in Target and a young boy saw me and his jaw dropped. I knew he recognized me as Miles. It was probably more of a moment for me than for him.
I think the general message Miles conveys -- and this was made evident in "Into the Spider-Verse," too -- is that anyone can wear the mask. Anyone can be Spider-Man. How important is that message to you?
I think the message is extremely important -- especially in 2020, with all of the obstacles that we have all had to face and overcome. It’s a positive reminder that, no matter your circumstances, you are powerful and limitless and you can be anything you want. You just have to believe that and believe in yourself and put your mind to it.
"Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales" is available for both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 now.
ABC News, "Good Morning America" and Marvel are both owned by parent company Disney.
