Spider-Man: No Way Home has finally arrived, and it's fair to say we're going to be talking about this one for a long time to come. The movie is now playing in cinemas everywhere, and we're sure you'll agree that Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios have delivered yet another spectacular solo adventure for this comic book icon.
Earlier this month, we were given the opportunity to sit down with star Tom Holland to discuss his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Peter Parker (which very nearly didn't happen). At the time, we'd only seen 38 minutes of the movie, so don't fret, you won't find any spoilers here! You will, however, find an in-depth conversation about the actor's tenure as the webbed wonder.
As well as explaining how Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield inspired his take on Spider-Man, Holland opens up about working with returning legends like Willem Dafoe and Alfred Molina, the chances Spidey could swing into Fantastic Four, keeping those Multiverse plans a secret, and how he hopes his Peter Parker will be remembered.
The actor even fires back at The Falcon and The Winter Soldier star Anthony Mackie after his latest dig, and shares a far more polite response when asked about Avengers: Endgame director's Joe Russo's remarks that Holland's Spider-Man is now the "soul" of the MCU.
You can watch the interview below or scroll down for a full transcript of our chat with Tom!
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk about the film. What I’ve seen of it is just phenomenal. I know you’ve talked a lot recently about having grown up, like myself, with the Sam Raimi Spider-Man films, but I was curious what it was like that first day on set being there with actors like Alfred Molina and Willem Dafoe [and how that] compared to your first day on set playing Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War?
It wasn’t too dissimilar, you know? Walking on set as Spider-Man in Civil War and meeting Chris Evans and doing that scene with him was crazy. I was a huge fan of his movies, and to meet him in the flesh [when] he was in the Captain America costume…he was also so nice and so welcoming. It was awesome. It was a great time. Then, [this] was similar. Walking on set, playing this character, we’re here with Spider-Man: No Way Home and I’m established and I know what I’m doing. All of a sudden, I’m thrown this curveball of fighting villains from the Raimi Universe. It was crazy. I mean, I had so many 'pinch me' moments where I’d be standing there looking at Alfred doing scenes with him and I really had to kind of take myself out of it and kind of focus as an actor rather than a fan because I was freaking out inside.
Recently, Joe Russo said that he thinks your Spider-Man has taken over from Robert Downey Jr. and Iron Man as the 'soul' of the Marvel Universe and [is] very much the 'favourite' character. What are your thoughts on that and have you talked to Robert about what it’s like to be in that position?
I mean, I wouldn’t necessarily say that I’m the face of the universe. I know that fans are really supportive and have responded massively to this franchise. I’m honoured that Joe thinks that, but the beautiful thing about the MCU is whoever is the leader, if there ever is a leader again, you’re never alone. You have so many people that you can rely on and lean on and people I’ve now worked with for years and years. I don’t necessarily feel those pressures, but should I feel those pressures, then yes, I’ll call Downey and ask him. I called him the other day for a piece of advice and he was very kind.
I know for myself as a fan, the Green Goblin has always been my favourite, but for you, what was it like working with Willem Dafoe and getting to explore than dynamic between Peter Parker and Norman Osborn? That dynamic from the comics is iconic like Superman and Lex Luthor or Batman and The Joker.
It was incredible. It was a dream come true. Firstly getting to fight against the Green Goblin and then secondly that Green Goblin getting to be Willem Dafoe was amazing. It was honestly incredible. Like I said before, [there were] so many 'pinch me' moments. He would say things he had said in the previous movies and everyone would get chills down the back of their spines. It was awesome. It really was incredible and I couldn’t dream of a better version.
I’m not going to ask you about Andrew and Tobey because I know you’ve been dealing with that for a long time, but did you revisit their films at all, maybe for any inspiration in terms of your movements and fight scenes or anything from those movies that might have inspired your interactions with these characters?
Oh, absolutely. Absolutely, yeah. I think before I started shooting Spider-Man: No Way Home, before the first day, I had rewatched all of their movies. I think I’ve done that for all of my Spider-Man movies. Their films are so fantastic and so rich with details that, you know, I’ve missed in the past so I go back and watch them and steal little things here and there that I love. I have definitely revisited their films.
We know Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige like to plan ahead, but how and when did you find out what the plan for this film was? I know there’s that viral clip of you from the Far From Home junket where people are convinced you were trying to hide something about the Multiverse, but when did you actually find out?
I knew…I had an idea that was what they were trying to do. It’s been on the table for a long time, but it was always one of those things that was just a pipe dream. It was just something where it was like, ‘Ah, that’s a nice idea, but it will never happen.’ As time went on, it started to become more real, and as it became more real, it became more scary. As it became more scary, it became more exciting! We’re here today promoting a film I think is fantastic and I’m very proud of it. I think the audiences will not be disappointed with the surprises we still have left in store.
With Jon Watts now getting ready to move on to Fantastic Four for Marvel Studios, I am curious whether you’d be interested in making a cameo appearance there as Spider-Man, particularly as that issue of Amazing Spider-Man #1 has that iconic imagery of him trying to join the team?
I think, for me, as the guy that plays Spider-Man - so you could say that I know him the best - I think what’s important is that he needs to take a break. We need to allow the audience to let him breathe and figure out tonally how we’re going to bring this character back, if we bring this character back. You know, I think him popping up for a cameo would defeat the purpose. While I’d love to be in that film [because] I love Jon and would be really excited to see what he does with the Fantastic Four, I think what we need to do with Spider-Man is let it breathe and almost let the audience tell us what they want.
This film picks up literally where Far From Home ended, and while it’s a shocking, traumatic moment for Peter, there are some really great moments of humour in there as well. What did you enjoy most about exploring that immediate aftermath of his secret being revealed to the world?
It’s really exciting and something that’s never been done before in a Spider-Man movie. As an actor and storyteller, whenever you’re given a new bit of ammunition to tell these stories, it’s really helpful. To dive into this new world with Peter Parker being the most famous person on the planet is pretty cool.
Of course, Spider-Man is a character who hasn’t been played in live-action on the big screen by many actors, just yourself, Tobey and Andrew. You will have seen the sort of impact their versions have had on moviegoers, but how do you hope your Spider-Man is remembered regardless of what the future holds in store?
That’s a great question. I don’t really know how to answer it. I hope people have the same feeling of nostalgia that I do towards Tobey and Andrew’s movies. I was a kid when those films came out and they made me so happy. I remember coming home, bouncing around and jumping off the couch pretending to be Spider-Man, so if there are young kids who remember that through my movies, then that will be enough for me.
I’ve got to ask: Anthony Mackie obviously became the new Captain America earlier this year, but he keeps jumping on social media trying to bait you, saying he got the high score on your new Disneyland ride and wondering whether you can beat it. Have you beaten his high score and do you think he’s just angling for a Spider-Man/Captain America team-up?
Listen, I love Anthony Mackie. If there’s a Spider-Man/Captain America team-up down the line, then we should absolutely make that happen. You know, he can brag about beating me on my own ride - which I haven’t actually ridden yet - but until he’s got his own ride, he’s got nothing. He doesn’t have a leg to stand on.
Spider-Man, once again in this film is getting some amazing new costumes and you’ve gone through a lot of really spectacular looks in the past. Which is your favourite and are there any from the comics you hope to try on one day?
I think my favourite would have to be the red and black suit. I really like it because I’ve worn it so much and I think we’ve really changed the image of what Spider-Man is. Also, the red and blue suit from Homecoming. The original suit for me holds a lot of nostalgia just because that’s where I started my Spider-Man career. I haven’t worn that suit in years actually, but I’d like to see if I can dig it out somewhere and try it on again.
Awesome. Well, Tom, thank you so much for your time. It’s been a pleasure to speak to you especially as I can tell you’re as much a fan of this character as I am and all the fans are. I cannot wait to see the rest of the movie.
Thank you so much. I appreciate that. Thank you. That was a great interview.