Jacob Batalon, Amber Midthunder, Jack Quaid, and Ray Nicholson
Filipino American actor Jacob Batalon is stepping into a new chapter of his life, both personally and professionally. The 27-year-old actor, best known for his breakout role as Ned Leeds in the MCU’s Spider-Man films, announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend last week via Instagram, sharing the joyous milestone with his fans.
Alongside this personal development, Batalon is also gearing up for the release of his latest film, Novocaine, where he stars alongside Jack Quaid. The film, set for a global release on March 14, promises to showcase another facet of Batalon’s ever-expanding range as an actor.
Reflecting on his engagement, Batalon expressed his excitement about this new phase in his life.
“We’re planning on enjoying our engagement,” he told the Asian Journal, hinting that he and his fiancée Veronica Leahov are taking their time to savor the moment before diving into wedding planning. While he remains relatively private about his relationship, his enthusiasm was evident as he discussed his future with his partner.
On the professional front, working on Novocaine proved to be a rewarding experience for Batalon. “Working with Jack Quaid and the rest of the cast was really fun. Everyone was super nice and supportive, and they helped me a lot. It was just a fun time working in South Africa,” he told us. The film, which blends elements of action and psychological thrills, allowed Batalon to challenge himself in new ways. He spent nearly two months filming on location, fully immersing himself in the role.
Batalon’s journey to Hollywood is one of perseverance and unexpected turns. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Filipino parents, he never envisioned a career in acting as a child. Initially, his artistic inclinations leaned toward music—his mother would often have him sing karaoke at family gatherings, and he briefly studied music theory at Kapi‘olani Community College.
However, it wasn’t until he attended the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts that he found his true passion for acting. His very first audition, a self-taped submission for what was described as a supporting role in a Marvel movie, turned out to be the life-changing opportunity that landed him the role of Ned Leeds.
Since then, Batalon has carved out a space for himself in Hollywood, moving beyond his endearing sidekick role in Spider-Man to take on lead roles in diverse projects. In 2022, he made his debut as both the star and executive producer of Syfy’s Reginald the Vampire, a dramedy based on Johnny B. Truant’s Fat Vampire book series. Acting as an executive producer gave Batalon an entirely new perspective on the industry. “It was really enlightening. I learned a lot about the business and also a lot as an actor. It was stressful, but really fun,” he admitted.
Batalon has also expanded his filmography with roles in horror and comedy, including last year’s Tarot, which became a hit on Netflix. When asked about his approach to choosing projects, he explained, “At this point, I’m not really looking for anything specific—just whatever I find to be really fun and exciting.”
Despite his growing success, Batalon remains deeply connected to his roots. He comes from a large family, with four brothers and three sisters. His parents immigrated to Hawaii in the late 1980s or early 1990s, and like many Filipino families, they initially had more traditional career aspirations for their children. “My mom was disappointed that I wanted to be an actor. She wanted me to be a nurse,” he shared with a laugh. “But she was supportive of my venture in the end.”
For aspiring Filipino actors looking to break into Hollywood, Batalon has simple yet powerful advice: “Keep trying and keep working hard. It’s about how you prepare for the moments and staying ready for opportunities when they come.”
As for what’s next, Batalon has several projects in the pipeline. “There are a few things coming up. I just wrapped a project that I believe will be on Amazon, and there are some other things in the works,” he teased. While he remains tight-lipped about future roles, his steady stream of work suggests that he has no plans of slowing down.
