Tom Holland hails Zendaya as ‘best actor going’ as he shares rare 'Spider-Man 4' shoot story

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Tom Holland praised his 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' co-star Zendaya for her dedication to acting and reflected on their professional and personal partnership during an appearance on the podcast 'Good Hang with Amy Poehler' on Tuesday, June 2.

His remarks come amid continued speculation surrounding the pair’s relationship, fueled by comments from her stylist, Law Roach, though neither of them has publicly confirmed reports of being married. The duo are set to reunite on screen in 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' which is scheduled for release on Friday, July 31.

Tom Holland applauds Zendaya’s acting talent and reflects on their relationship

During the conversation, Host Amy Poehler asked Holland what he has learned from Zendaya while working with her on films and sharing life. He responded with high praise, saying, “I think what I love about watching her work as an actress is she's just fearless."

He continued, "She's just absolutely 10 toes down. I'm going to give this everything.” Holland further pointed to the range she displays in her performances, saying, “When you watch her as Rue in 'Euphoria', she could not be more different to who she is in real life."

He emphasized, "And then if you see her as Emma in the drama, it's just such a different performance, but with no less intent or passion or drive.” Expressing his admiration for her talent, He added, “I think she's the best actor going. I really think she has like something special.” 

The discussion then turned to how their relationship helps them navigate the entertainment industry. He described the challenges that come with their profession, saying, “It's a wild world being in this industry. And, you know, there are ups and downs and, you know, you go from shooting a movie, which is when we're all at our most comfortable."

He stated, "And then you do a press tour, which feels like you're kind of standing out on the stage," before explaining why Zendaya's support means so much to him. He added, “It's so nice to have someone that understands that in such a personal way. So that you can talk each other down or you can big each other up. And it's a lifeline. It really is. I couldn't imagine doing what I do without her.”

Tom Holland reveals how Zendaya helped prompt a rewrite on ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

Later in the interview, Holland shared a behind-the-scenes story from the set of 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' explaining how a conversation with Zendaya led to a scene being rewritten. “We had an amazing moment on Spider-Man: Brand New Day. And it's only because of our relationship that this happened,” he said.

He recalled that after filming his coverage for a scene, production moved on to her coverage. He said, “I would never, ever dream of saying this to an actress that I wasn't with. And I said to her, ‘Do you think that this scene is working?’”

According to him, Zendaya immediately responded, “No, I don't think the scene is working at all.” After hearing her thoughts, he spoke with the producers and discovered they felt similarly.

He then approached director Destin Daniel Cretton and said, “Hey man, listen, I know we've been shooting for hours and I hate to tell you this, but I just, I don't think that this scene is working. Z and I, like what we're supposed to feel, we're not feeling it in the moment.”

Holland recalled that Cretton carefully listened before agreeing with their concerns, “He just kind of listened and he sat down and he was like, ‘Well, what is it that you're trying to feel?’ And I told him and he went, ‘Yeah, you're right. That's exactly what we need to be feeling.’”

The director then halted production for the day so the scene could be revised with the writer. When filming resumed, he said the decision proved worthwhile.