1

Tom Holland: Leaving a Legacy

Spider-Man is perhaps the most iconic superhero of the last 50 years. From comic book depictions to the IMAX screen, Spidey has entertained generation after generation. Yet who do you think of when you hear the name? Is it Miles Morales, Toby Maguire, Andrew Garfield, or now Tom Holland? For Holland, following the legacy of so many films is a tough act to follow. Let’s take a look at his journey to become Spider-Man, and what he has in store for fans.

 

Holland was born in England in June of 1996. Living with his three younger brothers, Tom attended a prep school for the majority of his life. As someone known for his acting skills, Holland was quite the dancer as well. He began dancing at hip hop classes at a young age, and this led him to larger performances. After eight auditions and subsequent two years of training, Tom made his West End debut in Billy Elliot the Musical as Michael, Billy’s best friend. He gave his first performance in the title role of Billy in 2008, getting rave reviews for his versatile acting and dancing skills. Having successfully completed his GCSEs, in September of 2012, Tom started a two-year course in the BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology notable for its numerous famous alumni. 

 

It was 2015 where Holland made his mark on the acting industry. Marvel, having gained the rights to use Spider-Man in upcoming films, casted him to play Peter Parker. He made his debut on the screen in the star studded Captain America: Civil-War in 2016, followed by his first solo film, Spider-Man: Homecoming the year after. Tom reportedly earned $1.5M and $4M for his first two solo films. After these films, it was uncertain whether fans would ever see Holland suit up in the MCU again. Sony’s deal had expired after five movies — Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Spider-Man: Far From Home — and would reportedly not be renewed. Just before the release of Endgame, the Spidey sequel was “about three-quarters of the way through” post-production when talks broke down. Their five-film deal officially expired with the release of Far From Home, Feige and other executives kept the impasse under wraps with hopes a second deal could be reached to keep Spider-Man in the universe. Fortunately, a deal was struck. Under the new deal, Sony and Disney/Marvel would work together on No Way Home and Holland’s Spider-Man would appear in a future Marvel Studios movie, potentially an Avengers 5. “I would’ve been very disappointed [if the impasse was not resolved,” says Spider-Man producer Amy Pascal. “Because I didn’t think we were finished. I knew we had more stories to tell in the cinematic universe. Also, because I adore everyone at Marvel.” 

 

So what’s next for Tom Holland? Fresh off the superhero movie of the year, Holland starred as Nathan Drake in the video-game film adaptation Uncharted. This film released on February 18th, and also stars Mark Wahlberg and Antonio Banderas. In the world of philanthropy, Holland continues to build The Brothers Trust. Created by Tom and his brothers, the organization aims at supporting charities who struggle to be heard. 

Just what you would expect from your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.