Tom Holland credits Jon Bernthal friendship for 'Spider-Man' chemistry

Tom Holland says his long-standing friendship with Jon Bernthal helped shape their on-screen chemistry in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, with the actors bringing plenty of humour and improvisation to their scenes together.

Holland and Bernthal reunited for the latest Spider-Man film after recently working together on Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.

Speaking at the film's Los Angeles premiere, Holland said their off-screen bond transformed the dynamic between Peter Parker and Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher.

"We'd just come off Nolan's job, and we'd had such an incredible experience with Chris," Holland said.

"We came to Spider-Man, and it was like all bets were off. We just had this fun six-week improvised session where we were constantly telling jokes and finding new ways to bring humour to the movie."

The actors first became friends while filming the 2017 movie Pilgrimage, where they were also preparing audition tapes for their respective Marvel roles.

Holland explained that their real-life friendship changed many of their scenes, saying the relationship seen on screen evolved far beyond what was originally written.

"My favourite thing is how our relationship informed the relationship between the two characters," he said, praising Bernthal's ability to elevate every scene.

Bernthal returned the admiration, calling it "such a thrill" to work with Holland again. He recalled meeting the actor when he was just 17 and said he remains impressed by Holland's humility, kindness and work ethic despite his global success.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives in cinemas on July 31, marking Holland's fourth standalone outing as Peter Parker and another Marvel appearance for Bernthal's Punisher.