Tom Holland, the beloved actor known for his role as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is opening up about both his career and personal life in a new cover interview for Men’s Health’s January/February 2025 issue. In the candid interview, the 28-year-old star shares an unexpected tale of stepping into action outside of his superhero persona—this time in a Los Angeles Whole Foods.
Holland recounts the moment he intervened in a fight that broke out while he was shopping. “They’re like going at it, right behind me,” Holland recalled. In the heat of the altercation, Holland immediately stepped in to diffuse the situation, grabbing one of the men involved and leading him away from the confrontation.
The actor humorously explained that the person involved in the scuffle seemed to recognize him mid-action. “I can see that he’s recognized me immediately, and you could see the wheels turning, like, I’m really angry, but Spider-Man is telling me to calm down,” Holland said with a laugh. The story, which highlights Holland’s real-life heroism, also underscores the lasting impact of his iconic Spider-Man role, even when he’s not on set.
In the Men’s Health interview, Holland discusses his experiences in Hollywood, his career, and his personal reflections on fame. His role as Peter Parker, which began in Captain America: Civil War (2016), propelled him to international stardom, and the actor has since reprised the role in multiple blockbuster films, including Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).
From Auditions to Backflips: Holland’s Early Days in Hollywood
Holland’s rise to fame as Spider-Man was not by chance. Jon Watts, who directed Holland in the Spider-Man trilogy, shared a memorable anecdote from the actor’s audition. According to Watts, Holland’s charm and energy were immediately evident. “He just was so young and sweet, and just charming,” Watts recalled. “And then in the audition, he did a full backflip, like a standing backflip, in addition to being really great on tape.”
Watts added that Holland’s performance during his audition felt authentic, noting, “It was like watching a video of the real Peter Parker.” Holland’s natural talent, combined with his physicality and charm, made him the perfect choice to bring the iconic superhero to life on screen.
Looking Ahead: Spider-Man and New Projects
Fans of Holland’s portrayal of Peter Parker have eagerly awaited news about the next chapter in the Spider-Man franchise. In an appearance on The Tonight Show in October, Holland confirmed that work on the long-awaited Spider-Man 4 is already underway. “It’s happening,” he told host Jimmy Fallon, adding that production is set to begin next summer. Holland went on to explain that everything is “good to go” and that the film is nearly ready for production. The upcoming film will be a direct sequel to Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), which saw Holland team up with former Spider-Men Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield in a multiverse-shattering event that delighted fans and celebrated the legacy of Spider-Man films spanning over two decades.
ADVERTISEMENT
In addition to his role in the next Spider-Man film, Holland is branching out into other major projects. He is set to star in director Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, an adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey, scheduled for release in July 2026. Holland will be joined by an all-star cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, and his Spider-Man co-star and girlfriend, Zendaya. The film’s cast also features Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron, making it one of the most highly anticipated films in Hollywood.
Personal Life and Taking a Step Back
In his Men’s Health interview, Holland also discussed his personal life and his future plans in the entertainment industry. The actor, who has been dating Zendaya since 2021, revealed that he plans to take a step back from acting when he has children. “You will not see me in movies anymore,” he said, indicating that family will become his priority when the time comes.
Holland also touched on his decision to stay out of the limelight during events involving Zendaya, explaining that he doesn’t walk red carpets with her because “it’s not my moment, it’s her moment.” The actor emphasized that he values supporting his partner while respecting her space in the public eye.
A Hero Both On and Off Screen
Whether he’s stepping into action to break up a fight at the grocery store or appearing as Spider-Man on the big screen, Tom Holland continues to prove that his heroic persona is not limited to his iconic role. As he balances his career and personal life, fans can look forward to even more from the actor, both in and outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
With the Spider-Man franchise continuing to grow and Holland taking on new, exciting projects, it’s clear that his future in Hollywood is only getting brighter.
