AN UNUSUALLY WARM OCTOBER DAY
IT’S NEARLY 80 DEGREES ON a Monday in October in New York City, yet the locals frequenting the lounge at the Greenwich Hotel are embracing their autumn vibes. The hotel itself seems to join in on the seasonal spirit, warmed by a blazing fire that crackles in a grand hearth, making the already cozy lounge feel like a warm embrace.
Tom Holland is seated comfortably in a striped silk armchair positioned near the fire. He sports white On running shoes, flowing trousers, and a light ivory sweatshirt which he removes with a quick, muffled apology as his T-shirt lifts along with it. Now at ease, he leans back in his chair, surrounded by shelves filled with vintage books and the mounted head of a taxidermied antelope. Illuminated by the warm glow of the fire and a large red-shaded lamp that almost seems to have its own personality, the shadows play across his face, accentuating every detail, especially the prominent cleft in his chin. His demeanor suggests he might just be preparing for a live reading from one of the classic texts behind him, an impression heightened by his friendly, unpretentious English accent—more reminiscent of Harry Potter than royal lineage.
“My accent seems to irritate my parents,” he confesses. “They speak quite eloquently, while I like to think I hover just beneath that level.” He adds that his brother Harry’s accent is “much worse” than his. “E fuckeen thinks he’s, like, from the East End? And it drives them up the wall.”
I’m observing Holland for hints of that elusive charm, often referred to as “rizz.” “Tom is the ultimate rizz master,” Timothée Chalamet recently remarked during an interview for LADbible TV. “The Internet acknowledges this. Zendaya knows it. Everyone is aware.” It’s true that social media buzzes with reactions whenever Holland appears in public, especially alongside Zendaya, the celebrated actress he has been dating for several years. Yet, I find myself struggling to pinpoint his magnetism. “It’s somewhat of an intangible quality,” explains Spider-Man director Jon Watts. “You just look at him and you feel drawn to him.”
To clarify, the 28-year-old actor possesses all the classic traits of charm: he is engaging, witty, and self-assured. I’ve also witnessed his energetic performance on Lip Sync Battle in 2017, where he took to the stage in a corset and snug leather shorts, dancing to Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and concluding with a spectacular front flip onto a drenched stage. It’s clear that, like Spider-Man’s alter ego, Peter Parker, he possesses hidden talents that may be limitless. However, as I sit in the corner of the hotel lounge, he radiates not a suave persona but an earnest sincerity.
Perhaps this sincerity is magnified by the fact that he isn’t here to promote a new film. In reality, he’s just returning from a year-long hiatus from acting. “It was something I needed,” he reflects. “I’ve been acting non-stop since I was 11.” That was when he auditioned for Billy Elliot: The Musical in London. Soon after, he starred in The Impossible alongside Naomi Watts, followed by his iconic role as Spider-Man in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War. Since then, he has reprised the role in two Avengers films and three standalone Spider-Man movies, with a fourth installment on the horizon, while also tackling intense films like Cherry—where his character faces love, war, addiction, and crime—and The Crowded Room, a psychological thriller about a young man entwined in a perplexing crime. Alongside the upcoming Spider-Man film, he will also work with Matt Damon and Zendaya in a Christopher Nolan project set for release in 2026.
This break served as a much-needed pause before embarking on a new chapter, one where he can continue his rapid rise in Hollywood while savoring the life it has afforded him. He surrounds his London home with friends and family, indulging in carpentry and playing golf regularly, boasting an impressive 2.9 handicap. Recently, he and his two brothers participated in a tournament with professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood, emerging victorious. “It was the best day ever! I called my lady and joked, ‘I’m considering turning pro!’” He shares fondly. Holland and Zendaya are also proud dog parents to Noon, and recently welcomed a Doberman named Daphne. “She’s so adorable, it’s almost a joke,” he laughs, showing me a picture of his mischievous puppy looking guilty after a little mishap in the house. “This is her after she got into trouble for messing inside.” (Clearly, the charm is abundant.) Unlike the typical heroic persona we might expect, Holland’s appeal is rooted in something far more genuine.
AN AUTHENTIC CONNECTION
HOLLAND’S SINCERITY SHINES THROUGH even when he speaks about his new venture into the world of non-alcoholic beers, named Bero, which he is currently promoting. Following our meeting, he will attend an event to introduce the beers to various bartenders. In today’s competitive celebrity market for products—a trend that perhaps doesn’t get enough credit for its evolution—actors often transition into robotic personas when discussing their brands. However, Holland’s enthusiasm peaks when talking about Bero.
He reveals that this venture is deeply personal for him. At heart, he’s just a down-to-earth guy who values his close-knit relationships with friends and family. In a light-hearted moment, he describes a recent backflip he attempted, which resulted in him pulling nearly every muscle in his abdomen. Mastering the backflip requires careful extension before tucking, but the aftermath left him in so much pain he struggled to laugh for weeks. Even stars, like the rest of us, push the limits of their bodies to impress their loved ones. Looking for a meal that will wow your partner? Recently, I’ve been perfecting a comforting lentil chili, which offers a delightful twist on the traditional chili con carne by swapping in lentils.
As for euphemisms for intimacy? That’s a private conversation reserved for me and my lady!
Don’t miss the captivating image of Tom Holland gracing the cover of Men’s Health magazine for the January/February 2025 issue.
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 features in the January/February 2025 edition of Men’s Health magazine. Don’t forget to grab your copy today!
