Tom Holland wants Peter Parker to stay a hero kids can look up to

Tom Holland believes playing Spider-Man comes with a responsibility that goes well beyond the movie theatre.

Tom Holland believes playing Spider-Man comes with a responsibility that goes well beyond the movie theatre. The actor opened up about this at the Los Angeles premiere of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, speaking to People about what the role means to him.

Holland reflected on how many young fans grow up watching the franchise. He said the biggest responsibility that comes with making these films is ensuring kids always have someone worth looking up to. He was quick to clarify that this admiration is not meant for him personally, but for the character of Peter Parker himself.

Holland spoke about his own connection to the character, admitting that he had looked up to Peter Parker long before he ever played him. He said the character has been a personal role model since childhood, and that feeling has only grown stronger since taking on the role. He added that he does not take this responsibility lightly, calling it something genuinely important to him.

Holland is the third actor to bring Peter Parker to life on the big screen. He followed in the footsteps of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, both of whom played the iconic web-slinger before him. Each actor has brought a slightly different take to the role, but the character’s core values have remained largely the same across all three versions.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day officially released in theatres worldwide on July 31, 2026, marking another chapter in Holland’s long run as the beloved superhero. The film arrives with high expectations from fans who have followed his journey as Peter Parker since his debut in the role years ago.

For Holland, though, the appeal of the character clearly goes beyond box office numbers or franchise milestones. His comments suggest a deeper personal investment in what Spider-Man represents, especially for the younger audiences who watch these films and see a bit of themselves in Peter Parker’s journey.

As the film makes its way to audiences everywhere, Holland’s reflections offer a glimpse into how seriously he takes the responsibility of playing one of pop culture’s most enduring and relatable superheroes.