GQ recently ran a profile on Spider-Man: No Way Home star Tom Holland, and as well as comments from the actor himself, Avengers: Endgame co-director Joe Russo also weighed in on the actor's tenure as Peter Parker. He and brother Anthony brought Spidey into the MCU in 2016's Captain America: Civil War, and Joe had some very complimentary words to share.
"Tom is stepping into the role that Robert Downey once occupied for Marvel, which is the favourite character, and in a lot of ways the soul of the Marvel universe," he told the site.
We can't disagree with that sentiment, but what does Holland think about filling the void left by Robert Downey Jr. and Tony Stark/Iron Man? Understandably humble about Russo's remarks, the actor told us last week that while he doesn't necessarily feel like the face of the MCU, should those pressures ever bother him, then Downey is the first person he'll get on the phone.
"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," Holland tells us in the video above. "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."
Spider-Man's popularity has only continued to rise since he joined the MCU, and considering Spider-Man: No Way Home has smashed Avengers: Endgame's records in terms of ticket presales, calling him the "favourite character" feels entirely warranted. While Holland seemingly remains uncertain about his future as the wall-crawler, we can't help but feel he's ready for this responsibility.
Spider-Man: No Way Home will exclusively be released in cinemas from December 15th!