by In Hollywood, landing a major blockbuster role often comes down to who you know and having influential people advocate for you. For young actor Tom Holland, he had the backing of none other than legendary star Harrison Ford who was instrumental in helping him land the coveted role of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In an interview with Variety, Holland revealed that Ford had called up the producers of the new Spider-Man films and raved about the young actor, saying “This kid is great. You have to cast him.” Holland credits this glowing recommendation as being “one of the main reasons” he got the career-making part.
“I don’t know if I would have gotten the role if Harrison Ford hadn’t called,” Holland humbly admitted.
The two actors met on the set of the upcoming film End of the World where they play father and son. Ford must have been incredibly impressed with the talented 23-year-old because he went out of his way to ensure Holland got his big break as the new Spider-Man.
For any young actor, having the stamp of approval from an industry icon like Ford would certainly get the attention of casting directors and producers. Ford has decades of experience working on some of the biggest blockbuster films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. He knows what it takes to lead a major franchise film and saw that special star quality in Holland.
As Holland said, when Ford talks, people in Hollywood listen. So when the veteran actor calls Spider-Man producers and raves about an up-and-comer, they are going to take serious notice. Holland had already impressed many with his work in movies like The Impossible and In the Heart of the Sea. But Ford’s phone call likely solidified the deal.
The two actors formed a strong bond on the set of their film together. As a young actor just getting his start, Holland looked up to Ford as a mentor and father figure. Holland has said in interviews that Ford took him under his wing on set and provided invaluable advice about not just acting but dealing with fame and success in the movie business. The two seem to have really hit it off, making Ford’s desire to help launch Holland’s career even more meaningful.
Now as the new face of Spider-Man in the Marvel blockbuster movies, Holland has expressed how grateful he is to Ford for going to bat for him.
“Harrison Ford is one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. When he says something good about you, people listen,” Holland said. “I’m so grateful to him for helping me get the role of Spider-Man.”
Of course, in addition to Ford’s glowing recommendation, Holland also won over Spider-Man producers and Sony executives with his fantastic audition. In videos that have gone viral from his audition, Holland showcases his likable charm, comedic timing, and serious dramatic acting chops. It’s clear the young Brit is the total package and was destined to put his own stamp on the beloved superhero role.
Still, Ford’s call certainly didn’t hurt Holland’s chances. Holland says Ford has given him great advice about surviving the pressures of sudden fame and success. As Spider-Man, Holland now faces the same kind of intense scrutiny Ford has dealt with in iconic roles like Indiana Jones and Han Solo.
With Ford in his corner providing wisdom and mentorship, Holland has all the tools to handle stardom with grace. The veteran actor has found a promising protégé in the talented Holland and their friendship off-screen will surely only help reinforce Holland’s performances as the new Spider-Man.
Holland has now taken over the web-slinging role from fellow Brit Andrew Garfield in Spider-Man: Homecoming and the Avengers films. Big expectations rest on the young actor’s shoulders, but he has proven he has what it takes to be the cornerstone of a major blockbuster franchise.
Of course, Holland already has the perfect background to play Peter Parker. He shares a lot of similarities with the high school nerd turned superhero. Much like Parker, Tom Holland started out as a shy, bullied kid who found an outlet in acting and dance. Now at just 23, he is about to explode into one of the biggest young stars on the planet.
Holland found inspiration in Ford’s films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones as a child. To now be mentored and championed by the veteran star must seem like a dream come true.
Yet Ford doesn’t hand out compliments easily. The gruff actor is notoriously stoic and private. So for Ford to make personal calls to producers on Holland’s behalf shows just how impressed he was with the charming up-and-comer.
Their friendship will surely now last well beyond their work together on End of the World. Ford has said he is happy to give advice to Holland as he navigates the tricky waters of mega-fame as the face of Spider-Man. And Holland seems thrilled and humbled to have Ford take him under his wing.
With the backing of an industry titan like Harrison Ford, the sky is truly the limit for Holland’s career. Thanks to Ford, he has landed the coveted role of a lifetime as Spider-Man and gets to work with heroes like Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans in the Avengers films.
Holland has said this is a dream come true, never imagining he would get to be a part of such major blockbuster movies. He had set his sights on becoming a successful working actor, but his quick rise to stardom in one of the biggest roles out there has dwarfed even his wildest dreams.
The young actor comes across as incredibly grounded and grateful for his good fortune. And he is wise enough to recognize the role mentorship from veterans like Ford has played in his meteoric success.
Holland acknowledges that Ford’s call was a turning point in convincing dubious executives to take a chance on him. Stars like Ford have a lot of sway and by having such an iconic actor go to bat for him, Holland was able to nab the coveted superhero role.
Now Spider-Man fans around the world will get to benefit from Holland’s talent as he brings the character to life in a fresh, new way under mentor and Spider-Man producer Kevin Feige. It seems everyone will win thanks to Ford recognizing Holland’s star-power early on and paving the way for the young actor to showcase his skills on the biggest possible stage.
The newest Spider-Man film Homecoming is set for release this July and is sure to catapult Holland to worldwide fame. He comes across as very grounded and humble so hopefully, the massive success doesn’t go to his head. As long as he continues to receive wisdom and guidance from industry veterans like Ford, Holland should have a bright future ahead.
Ford made a very savvy move backing Holland early on and now will get to watch the young actor’s career flourish. They say it’s often lonely at the top but new stars like Holland are fortunate to have friendly faces like Ford there to share invaluable insights that only come from decades in the business.
Thanks to Ford’s high praise, Holland is now living his dream and legions of fans will hopefully get to enjoy him protecting the neighborhood as a human-sized yet super-powered Spider-Man for many movies to come.
