Tom Holland reveals he had a Superman phase, opens up about Spider-Man nostalgia
Tom Holland reveals he had a Superman phase, opens up about Spider-Man nostalgia
Alisha Khan Sat, August 22, 2026 at 4:26 PM UTC
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Spider-Man star Tom Holland (Image Source ©Getty)
Tom Holland is best known for playing Spider-Man in the MCU, but his childhood superhero memories include a brief Superman phase too. Yes, you read that absolutely right!
During a conversation with Seth Meyers, Holland admitted that he once dressed up as the Man of Steel, although Spider-Man remained his favorite by far. He said:
"I had a Superman phase. But Spider-Man has always been my all-time favorite."
The actor's love for the web slinger goes back to when he was just a kid, a five-year-old who used to play the character in his bedroom. Tom Holland always loved the Marvel character and never imagined that he would get the role in the future.
It also ended up being the biggest role in his career. While Holland was talking about his obsession on Meyer's show, the host also brought up an old photograph of Holland with one of his web slinger shirts.
He explained that it was likely his first shirt and that his mother has kept those safe until now. Little did anyone know that Holland's childhood obsession would come true as the superhero he pretended to be at home was no longer just a character on his bedroom walls or in his imagination. He was about to put on the suit for real and become the hero on the big screen.
More interesting details below!
Tom Holland admits he had a Superman phase
Tom Holland's love for superheroes was not limited to just Spider-Man. He once revealed on Late Night with Seth Meyers that he went through a brief Superman phase.
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The confession came with a laugh, but Holland was quick to make one thing clear: Superman may have had his moment, but the web slinger was always his favourite. Meyers then joked that Holland seemed far more suited to Spider-Man than Superman.
He pointed out the difference between the two heroes, noting that Superman is from outer space while the web slinger is a ordinary young guy. That distinction also helps explain Holland’s long-standing attachment to Peter Parker.
Unlike a superhero who arrives already powerful and almost untouchable, Peter is a regular young person who suddenly has to deal with extraordinary circumstances. For Tom Holland, that everyday side of Spider-Man has always made the character especially appealing.
Tom Holland's first Spider-Man suit was far from heroic
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" UK Premiere - Arrivals - Source: Getty
Tom Holland did explain that getting the role of the web slinger was a dream come true, but when he first tried the suit, it wasn't a dreamy experience. He recalled being cast on a Friday, flying to Atlanta two days later and beginning work almost immediately.
When the actor arrived for his costume fitting, he wanted to feel special about it. He even told the team to cover the mirror while he's dressing up so that he sees himself only after he's completely dressed as the Marvel hero.
However, he did not go quite as he had imagined. The costume he wore belonged to his stunt double. He was bigger than him, which left Holland almost swimming in a loose and sagging suit. Holland said:
"It was really baggy and saggy, and it looked like a very old, sad Spider-Man... So, it definitely wasn't as heroic as I would have hoped."
Seth Meyers made the description even more humorous by adding that he looked like "Spider-Divorced-Dad" instead of the iconic Marvel superhero. But overall, Tom Holland is grateful for the opportunity she secured in the MCU.
Also Read: The best Marvel cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine was cut out of the film, details explored
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
