Tom Holland is known worldwide as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man. But the actor recently shared a surprising confession about his childhood superhero preferences. During a conversation with Seth Meyers on Late Night, Holland admitted that he once went through a brief Superman phase. However, he made it very clear that Spider-Man has always been his number one hero.
The actor, who has played Peter Parker since 2016, opened up about his deep connection to the web-slinger. He also recalled some funny and emotional moments from his journey as Spider-Man. From his first disappointing costume fitting to his love for the character that started at age five, Holland gave fans a lot to talk about.
Tom Holland’s Superman Phase Was Short-Lived
During his appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Tom Holland made a confession that surprised many. He said he had a “Superman phase” when he was younger. The actor admitted that he even dressed up as the Man of Steel at one point.
“I had a Superman phase. But Spider-Man has always been my all-time favorite.”
Seth Meyers joked that Holland seemed much better suited for Spider-Man than Superman. The host pointed out the big difference between the two heroes. Superman comes from outer space and is nearly invincible. Spider-Man, on the other hand, is just a regular young guy from Queens who suddenly gets extraordinary powers.
That difference is exactly what makes Spider-Man so special to Holland. Unlike Superman, who arrives already powerful, Peter Parker is a normal person dealing with crazy situations. For Tom Holland, that everyday side of Spider-Man has always made the character especially appealing.
A Childhood Dream That Became Reality
Tom Holland’s love for Spider-Man goes way back. He revealed that he was just five years old when he started playing the character in his bedroom. Back then, he never imagined that he would one day get the role. But that childhood obsession ended up becoming the biggest role of his career.
During the interview, Meyers brought up an old photograph of Holland wearing a Spider-Man shirt. Holland explained that it was likely his first Spider-Man shirt. His mother has kept those items safe all these years.
Little did anyone know that Holland’s childhood dream would come true. The superhero he pretended to be at home was no longer just a character on his bedroom walls. He was about to put on the suit for real and become the hero on the big screen.
The First Spider-Man Suit Was a Big Disappointment
Getting the role of Spider-Man was a dream come true for Tom Holland. But when he first tried on the suit, it was far from a magical moment.
Holland recalled being cast on a Friday. He flew to Atlanta two days later and began work almost immediately. When he arrived for his costume fitting, he wanted to feel special about it. He even asked the team to cover the mirror while he dressed up. He wanted to see himself only after he was completely dressed as the Marvel hero.
But things did not go as planned. The costume he wore actually belonged to his stunt double. The stunt double was bigger than him, which left Holland swimming in a loose and sagging suit.
“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 funnier. He said Holland looked like “Spider-Divorced-Dad” instead of the iconic Marvel superhero.
Spider-Man vs. Superman: Who Would Win?
Tom Holland has been asked many times about a hypothetical fight between Spider-Man and Superman. His answer is always honest and playful.
When asked if Spider-Man could beat the Man of Steel, Holland’s immediate response was a simple “No”. But he did come up with one way the web-slinger could stand a chance.
“Maybe if he had some of that Kryptonite stuff? He’s a scientist.”
Holland also joked about teaming up with Batman to take down Superman. He mentioned Robert Pattinson, who plays Batman in the DC films, and David Corenswet, who plays Superman.
“If Spider-Man and Batman teamed up—me and Rob [Robert Pattinson] vs. David [Corenswet]… I think we could beat him. I don’t know how helpful Rob would be.”
Despite the jokes, Holland admitted that Superman would probably still win. The discussion about Spider-Man versus Superman has been a hot topic among fans. Holland’s comments have only added more fuel to the debate.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Arrives in Theaters
Tom Holland’s fourth solo outing as Peter Parker, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, arrived in theaters on July 31, 2026. This marks his first solo Spider-Man film since No Way Home in 2021.
The film finds Peter Parker rebuilding his life after being erased from the world’s memory. It features returning faces like Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, and Jon Bernthal. Newcomers include Sadie Sink, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando, and Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk.
The movie is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. He takes over the franchise after Jon Watts helmed Holland’s first three outings.
Tom Holland has described the film as a “rebirth” for the character. He felt that Peter Parker’s story after No Way Home was left unfinished. The actor wanted to explore the character’s journey in a deeper way.
Fans React to Holland’s Superman Confession
Fans have been buzzing about Tom Holland’s comments on Superman and his Spider-Man nostalgia. Social media has been filled with reactions to his appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Many fans appreciated Holland’s honesty about his childhood superhero preferences. Others found his story about the first costume fitting both funny and relatable. The interview gave fans a closer look at the man behind the mask.
The debate about whether Spider-Man could beat Superman has also gotten a lot of attention. Holland’s playful answers have kept the conversation going online.
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Tom Holland’s Love for Spider-Man Remains Strong
Even after playing Spider-Man for nearly a decade, Tom Holland’s love for the character has not faded. He has said multiple times that he is not ready to hang up the suit anytime soon.
Holland has even joked about playing Spider-Man forever. He has also expressed interest in mentoring the next Spider-Man when the time comes. His passion for the role is clear in every interview he gives.
The actor’s journey from a five-year-old playing Spider-Man in his bedroom to becoming the face of the character on the big screen is truly remarkable. His recent interview with Seth Meyers reminded fans why they love him as Peter Parker.
Tom Holland continues to be one of the most beloved actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His honesty, humor, and genuine love for Spider-Man have made him a fan favorite. As Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues its run in theaters, Holland’s legacy as the web-slinger only grows stronger.
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