Tom Holland opens up about the responsibility of playing 'Spider-Man'
The actor reflected on the impact 'Spider-Man' had on his own childhood while discussing his latest release
Tom Holland believes playing Spider-Man comes with a responsibility that extends far beyond the big screen, saying his top priority is ensuring the iconic superhero remains a positive role model for children.
Speaking to People at the Los Angeles premiere of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the 30-year-old actor reflected on the impact Peter Parker has had on generations of fans, including himself.
“For me, it is the biggest responsibility of making these movies, is making sure that young kids have someone that they can look up to,” Holland said.
The actor clarified that he wasn’t referring to himself, but rather to the beloved Marvel character.
“I don’t mean that in me, I mean that in Peter Parker,” he explained. “I’ve looked up to him for years and years. He’s been a role model to me since I was a young kid, and even since I started playing him.”
Holland added that portraying the web-slinger is a responsibility he never takes lightly.
“It’s a responsibility that I don’t take lightly, and something that I think is really important,” he said.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day marks Holland’s fourth standalone outing as Peter Parker and his seventh appearance overall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The new film follows Peter as he navigates life in his mid-20s while attempting to reconnect with MJ, played by Zendaya, and his best friend Ned, portrayed by Jacob Batalon, after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, in which both forgot his identity.
Holland became the third live-action actor to portray Spider-Man, following Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield.
Since making his debut, his version of Peter Parker has also played a central role in several Avengers films, expanding the character’s journey within the Marvel universe.
The actor’s latest superhero adventure arrives just weeks after the release of The Odyssey, another blockbuster starring Holland and his wife, Zendaya.
Looking ahead, Holland recently indicated he has no plans to step away from the role anytime soon.
“I will do it for as long as they’ll have me,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “So if this movie does good, I guess we’ll see!”
Spider-Man: Brand New Day opened in theaters on July 31.