by The Actors Tom Holland Loves Working With
Tom Holland has quickly risen to become one of the most popular actors in Hollywood thanks to his breakout role as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Over the past several years, Holland has worked with many talented co-stars across multiple blockbuster films. While he hasn’t explicitly named favorites, some patterns have emerged about the actors he seems to genuinely enjoy collaborating with based on his comments in interviews. Here are some of the top possibilities for actors Tom Holland loves working alongside.
Zendaya
One of the most obvious choices is Zendaya, Holland’s co-star from the recent Spider-Man films. The two first worked together in 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming and have great on-screen chemistry as Peter Parker/Spider-Man and MJ. Off screen, rumors have swirled for years that Holland and Zendaya are dating in real life, though they try to keep their personal lives private.
In interviews promoting their Spider-Man roles, Holland has often gushed about Zendaya and how easy she is to work with. He called her “amazing” and praised her talent, saying “I’m so grateful that I get to work with her.” Holland also said they became close friends after bonding over their experience being thrust into the spotlight at young ages in major blockbuster franchises.
Their playful rapport was on full display during joint interviews. Holland would tease Zendaya or make her laugh, showing a comfortable dynamic. Fans picked up on subtle hints of affection between them as well. Zendaya even posted a loving birthday tribute to Holland on Instagram in 2021. All signs point to the two enjoying each other’s company greatly both on and off the set.
Robert Downey Jr.
Another actor Holland seems to genuinely admire is Robert Downey Jr., who played Tony Stark/Iron Man in the MCU films. Downey Jr. took on a mentor-like role to Holland’s Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.
In interviews, Holland has called Downey Jr. “one of the greatest actors of our generation” and expressed how much he’s learned from watching him work. He was clearly in awe getting to share scenes with the veteran actor. Holland also said Downey Jr. gave him helpful career advice early on about balancing big blockbusters with smaller indie films.
Their father-son dynamic was a highlight in the Spider-Man movies. Downey Jr. brought both gravitas and humor to his interactions with Holland’s wide-eyed Peter Parker. Off screen as well, Downey Jr. seemed to look out for Holland, even attending the premiere of one of his other films for support. All in all, it’s clear Holland treasures getting to work with his longtime on-screen mentor.
Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield
While they haven’t actually filmed together yet, Holland has nothing but praise and excitement for Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield – the other two actors who have portrayed Spider-Man in previous film franchises. Holland said meeting Maguire for the first time was “amazing” and called Garfield “super cool.”
The three Spider-Man actors have developed a fun group chat where they share memes and support each other’s work. Holland said getting to know Maguire and Garfield has been one of the highlights of taking on the iconic superhero role. He clearly holds both in high regard for their contributions to the character.
Fans are eager to finally see all three share the screen together in an upcoming Spider-Man crossover film. Holland has expressed enthusiasm for working with Maguire and Garfield should that happen. Based on their camaraderie so far, it seems the trio would likely have a great time collaborating if given the chance. Even without sharing scenes yet, Holland’s appreciation for his Spider-Man predecessors is evident.
Chris Evans
While they’ve only appeared together briefly in Avengers films, Holland seems to enjoy working with Chris Evans, a.k.a. Captain America. In interviews together, they playfully bantered and teased each other like old friends. Holland called Evans “one of the kindest people I’ve ever met” and said he admires his leadership skills on set.
Evans also praised Holland’s talent and work ethic. Their characters had a fun mentor-student dynamic in Captain America: Civil War as Steve Rogers helped train the new Spider-Man. Off screen as well, Evans has supported Holland, attending premieres for his other projects.
Like with Downey Jr., Evans brought gravitas and humor to his Avengers role while also caring for his younger co-stars. Holland appears to genuinely appreciate Evans both as a co-worker and person. Their friendly rapport hints collaborating together is an enjoyable experience for both. Fans are hopeful more of their dynamic may be explored if Captain America makes another MCU appearance.
Jake Gyllenhaal
In the 2021 film Spider-Man: No Way Home, Holland got to flex his acting chops opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, who played the villain Mysterio. Holland was clearly relishing the challenge of intense scenes with Gyllenhaal. He said Gyllenhaal is “one of the greatest actors of our generation” and called him “super cool” to work with.
Holland admired how Gyllenhaal immersed himself in the Mysterio role and appreciated learning from his process. Their characters had complex interactions as Spider-Man butted heads with the deceptive Mysterio. Gyllenhaal brought nuanced layers to his supervillain that challenged Holland.
In interviews, the two actors seemed to enjoy bouncing ideas off each other and finding new angles to explore with their characters. Holland appeared to thrive off Gyllenhaal’s seasoned performance. Their dynamic added new tensions that elevated No Way Home. All in all, sharing scenes with a talented vet like Gyllenhaal seems like a rewarding experience Holland appreciates.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Another co-star Holland seems to love working with is Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Doctor Strange in the MCU. The two first collaborated in Spider-Man: No Way Home and will team up again for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
In interviews, Holland called Cumberbatch “one of the most talented actors working today” and said he admires his dedication to roles. He was clearly eager to learn from Cumberbatch during their No Way Home scenes together. Their characters also had an entertainingly witty rapport in the film.
Cumberbatch is known for his intense preparation process, and Holland seems to relish being challenged by him. He said their dynamic is “a lot of fun” and he’s excited to continue exploring it in future films. With Cumberbatch bringing his seasoned talents, collaborating together appears to push both actors to greater heights. Fans can’t wait to see more of their chemistry unfold on screen.
Jon Watts
While not an actor, Holland also seems to have a great working relationship with Spider-Man trilogy director Jon Watts. In interviews, Holland has praised Watts’ vision and leadership on set. He said Watts makes the blocking and filming process seamless while also caring for his actors’ well-being.
Holland appreciates how Watts brings out the best in his performances through subtle direction. Their collaborations have clearly led to some of Holland’s most iconic scenes as Spider-Man so far. Watts seems to understand the character inside and out after three films together.
Holland expressed excitement to continue working with Watts, saying “he’s the greatest.” Their dynamic has played a major role in the Spider-Man franchise’s success. With clear trust and understanding developed, Holland appears to relish Watts’ guidance as a director he can fully rely on. Their partnership will surely lead to more blockbuster magic.
In conclusion, while Tom Holland hasn’t explicitly named favorites, it’s evident through his enthusiastic comments that he genuinely loves working with actors like Zendaya, Robert Downey Jr., Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Chris Evans, Jake Gyllenhaal, Benedict Cumberbatch, and director Jon Watts. Their collaborations have resulted in some of his most memorable performances so far. With Holland’s rising star power, fans can’t wait to see which talented co-stars he teams up with next. Wherever his career leads, it’s clear he thrives most when surrounded by actors he genuinely admires and enjoys the creative process with.
