You Won’t Believe Which Movie Tom Hardy and Tom Holland Starred in Together – and You Forgot About It!

When you think of Tom Holland and Tom Hardy, it’s hard not to immediately conjure up images of their blockbuster roles—Holland as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Hardy as Venom in Sony’s Marvel universe. Their careers have been defined by high-profile roles in superhero franchises and critically acclaimed films. But there’s one lesser-known movie that pairs the two actors together in a way most fans likely don’t remember: Locke (2013).

Released nearly a decade ago, Locke is a psychological road drama directed by Steven Knight that stands apart from the blockbuster projects Holland and Hardy would later dominate. This film is an interesting, almost forgotten collaboration between the two actors, and it’s not due to a shared on-screen presence. Instead, their roles are linked through a minimalist, voice-driven narrative that hasn’t lingered in the public consciousness in the same way as their more prominent works.

The Premise and Structure of Locke

Locke is a deeply atmospheric film that takes place entirely in a car, where Tom Hardy’s character, Ivan Locke, is the sole on-screen presence. The film follows Locke, a construction foreman, as he drives from London to Birmingham while dealing with a personal crisis. Throughout the film, Locke engages in phone conversations with various characters, which are the emotional core of the narrative.

Tom Hardy’s performance as Locke was critically praised, as he carried the entire film by himself, with his face as the only visible presence on screen for its entirety. The film’s experimental structure—combining a single location with phone calls that unfold the story—adds a level of intimacy and tension, which likely helped the film earn its critical acclaim.

Tom Holland’s Voice Role in Locke

While Tom Hardy is the film’s only visible actor, Tom Holland plays an important role, albeit behind the scenes. At just 16 years old, Holland voices Eddie, Ivan Locke’s son, who calls his father during the course of the movie. These phone calls add significant emotional depth to the narrative, showcasing the strain Locke is under as he tries to manage his personal life while driving through a literal and metaphorical journey.

However, Holland’s voice-only role in Locke has kept the film relatively under the radar in terms of recognition for his career, especially when compared to his later fame in the MCU. Holland’s involvement in Locke was a small, early step in his career, before he became globally known for his portrayal of Spider-Man.

Why You Don’t Remember Locke

Despite its critical acclaim, Locke never gained the same widespread recognition as the larger-than-life superhero roles both actors would go on to play. The film’s minimalist approach, with only Hardy’s face on screen and others’ voices filling the air, is part of what makes it less memorable. Its niche appeal—focused on dialogue-driven tension rather than visual spectacle—means it didn’t attract the mass audience of a superhero film or action-packed drama. With a modest global gross of just $5.1 million, the film didn’t make the waves at the box office that would have made it a staple in public discussions about the careers of both actors.

Moreover, Holland’s role as a 16-year-old voice actor in the film is often overlooked, as he had yet to become the household name he is today. At the time, his career was just beginning, and the film’s subdued nature doesn’t exactly align with the kind of blockbuster recognition he would later receive as the beloved Spider-Man.

A Forgotten Yet Important Moment in Both Actors’ Careers

While Locke is largely forgotten in the shadow of the massive superhero franchises that would later define both Hardy and Holland’s careers, it remains a fascinating moment in both actors’ early work. It’s a movie that connects them through a very subtle, almost hidden collaboration, where Hardy’s powerful, on-screen performance is complemented by Holland’s understated voice work.

Although fans have since eagerly anticipated their on-screen pairing—especially with the possibility of a Spider-Man vs. Venom crossover, which has been discussed for years—Locke stands as a peculiar, lesser-known gem in their respective filmographies. Despite its small budget and niche appeal, Locke remains a testament to the early, unassuming roles that helped launch two of Hollywood’s most iconic actors into their respective careers.

For those who don’t remember Locke, it’s not surprising. After all, in a filmography filled with action-packed spectacles and larger-than-life characters, a minimalist road drama with a voice cameo from a then-teenage Tom Holland is bound to slip through the cracks. But for anyone who revisits this psychological drama, the strange connection between Hardy and Holland—though brief and behind the scenes—offers an interesting glimpse into their early, transformative careers.