IT’S NEARLY 80 DEGREES
IT’S NEARLY 80 DEGREES ON an October Monday in New York City, yet the patrons strolling through the lounge at the Greenwich Hotel remain steadfast in their embrace of autumn aesthetics. The hotel echoes this seasonal sentiment: the dimly lit lounge, warmed by a roaring fire in an impressive hunting-lodge-style hearth, also registers a cozy 80 degrees.
Tom Holland finds himself nestled in a striped silk armchair by the fireplace, dressed in white On running shoes, loose-fitting trousers, and an ivory sweatshirt that he promptly removes, offering a muffled apology as his T-shirt lifts with it. Once freed from the sweatshirt, he relaxes back into his seat. Behind him, shelves crammed with ancient tomes and a taxidermied antelope head create a unique backdrop. Illuminated from the right by both the fire and a large lamp with a striking red shade, the shadows accentuate every feature of his face, especially the distinctive cleft in his chin. With his approachable English accent—more reminiscent of Harry Potter than Prince William—he appears ready to dive into a live reading from one of the books around him.
“My accent drives my parents crazy,” he remarks. “They’re quite eloquent, and I like to think I occupy a space just beneath that level of eloquence.” He goes on to joke about his brother Harry’s accent, describing it as “far worse.” “E fuckeen thinks he’s from the East End or something, and it really irritates my parents,” he laughs.
As I observe Holland, I’m searching for hints of that elusive charm, often referred to as rizz. “Tom is the ultimate rizz master,” Timothée Chalamet recently commented in an interview for LADbible TV. “The Internet knows it. Zendaya knows it. Everyone knows it.” Indeed, the online world buzzes with chatter whenever Holland makes an appearance, especially alongside Zendaya, the superstar he has been linked with for several years. Yet, I find it challenging to pinpoint exactly what makes him so magnetic. “It’s an intangible quality,” shares Spider-Man director Jon Watts. “You see him, and you just can’t help but like him.”
To be fair, the 28-year-old actor possesses all the essential traits of charm: he’s charismatic, intelligent, and self-assured. I can’t forget his memorable 2017 Lip Sync Battle performance, where he energetically dances in a corset and tight leather shorts to Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” culminating in a spectacular front flip that lands him on a drenched stage. Much like Spider-Man’s alter ego, Peter Parker, he seems to hold hidden talents that are boundless. Yet, here in the corner of the hotel lounge, he gives off a vibe that’s not slick, but rather deeply sincere.
This sincerity shines through, especially since he isn’t here to promote a film. In fact, Holland is emerging from a year-long hiatus from acting. “I needed that break,” he explains. “I’ve been acting non-stop since I was 11.” His journey began with an audition for Billy Elliot: The Musical in London. Shortly thereafter, he starred in The Impossible alongside Naomi Watts and then took on the role of Spider-Man in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War. Since then, he has portrayed Spider-Man in two Avengers films and three solo Spider-Man films, with a fourth on the horizon. Additionally, he’s taken on gripping roles in films like Cherry, where he faces love, combat, addiction, and robbery, as well as in The Crowded Room, a psychological thriller centered around a disturbing crime. Alongside the upcoming fourth Spider-Man movie, he will co-star with Matt Damon and Zendaya in a Christopher Nolan film set for release in 2026.
His time off served as a pause before embarking on a new chapter, positioning him to continue his swift ascent in Hollywood while also savoring the life it has afforded him. He fills his London home with friends and family, indulges in carpentry, and plays golf regularly—boasting an impressive handicap of 2.9. Recently, he and his two brothers participated in a tournament alongside professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood and emerged victorious. “It was the best day ever. I called my lady and said, ‘Hey, I’m considering going pro,’” he jokes. Holland and Zendaya share a dog named Noon and recently welcomed a Doberman puppy named Daphne into their lives. “She’s adorable, it’s almost a joke,” he laughs, showing off a picture of the mischievous puppy caught in the act of mischief. “Here she is, looking guilty after doing her business in my house.” (The charm is real.) Unlike the typical suave superheroes, Holland exudes a genuine quality that’s much harder to feign.
HOLLAND’S GENUINENESS ENDURES even when discussing his new line of non-alcoholic beers, Bero, which he’s currently promoting. Following our conversation, he’s set to attend an event aimed at introducing the product to numerous bartenders. In this era of celebrities launching products, a trend that doesn’t get enough recognition for its pioneers like Danny DeVito (who introduced his Premium Limoncello long before the rise of Casamigos), we’ve seen many actors adopt a robotic demeanor when discussing their ventures. However, Holland becomes noticeably more animated when talking about Bero.
He reveals that this project carries personal significance for him. At heart, he is simply an ordinary guy, deeply connected to his friends and family. While he did manage to execute the backflip, it came at the cost of straining every muscle in his abdomen. Proper technique is crucial for such a stunt, and the aftermath left him unable to laugh for weeks due to the soreness. Just like regular folks, stars push their limits to impress children. Looking to whip up a meal that wows your partner? Lately, I’ve been crafting a delicious lentil chili, reminiscent of traditional chili con carne but with lentils for a delightful twist.
As for euphemisms for intimate moments? Well, that remains a private matter between me and my love!
Don’t miss the striking cover of Tom Holland gracing the January/February 2025 edition of Men’s Health magazine.
Fashion Director: Ted Stafford
Stylist: Crystalle Cox
Assistant Stylist: Imani Granger
Grooming: Amy Komorowski/The Wall Group
Set Designer: Michael Sturgeon/Monday Artists
Tailoring: Darlene Deandrade
Production: Dana Brockman/Viewfinders
Executive Producer/Director: Dorenna Newton
DP/Editor: Elyssa Aquino
Cam Op: Robert Mroczko
AP: Janie Booth
This article appears in the January/February 2025 edition of Men’s Health magazine. Be sure to grab your copy today!
