Why Tom Holland Wishes He’d Reached Out to Andrew Garfield About Spider-Man—And What He Didn’t Realize

Two years after Spider-Man: No Way Home brought together all three live-action Spider-Men for an epic multiversal adventure, Tom Holland has publicly expressed a regret that’s been weighing on him. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 27-year-old actor opened up about his initial lack of communication with Andrew Garfield when he landed the role of Spider-Man, a moment that would set the stage for his own version of the iconic web-slinger.

Garfield, who had last donned the red and blue suit in 2014 for The Amazing Spider-Man 2, faced an abrupt end to his tenure as Spider-Man after the film’s disappointing performance at the box office and mixed critical reception. The series was shelved, and Garfield’s take on the character was effectively ended. For Holland, who was just 19 years old when he was cast as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in 2015, the excitement of landing such a monumental role clouded his judgment.

Reflecting on that time, Holland admitted that his excitement and naivety as a young actor prevented him from considering what the situation must have been like for Garfield. “I was so caught up in getting the role that I never took any time to think about what it must have been like for him,” Holland explained. “Because of my naivety as a kid, I didn’t reach out to Andrew, and I really regret that.”

Holland’s acknowledgment of his past oversight shows a level of maturity and humility, as he recognized the personal and professional toll Garfield must have felt after being let go from the role. He further empathized with his predecessor, saying, “If I’d made my second movie and it didn’t necessarily deliver in the way it should have done and they recast me, I would really struggle to bounce back.”

Despite his regret, Holland praised Garfield for his incredible resilience in the aftermath of being ousted from the role. “Andrew bounced back in the most unbelievable way,” he said. Holland added that he wished he had called Garfield before taking the role, explaining, “You know I can’t turn down this opportunity.”

Interestingly, the two actors eventually had the chance to discuss their shared experience as Spider-Man during their time on the set of No Way Home. Holland, Garfield, and Tobey Maguire, who portrayed Spider-Man in Sam Raimi’s trilogy, formed a special bond on set, one that has continued beyond filming. “It was wonderful,” Holland said of the time spent with his Spider-Man predecessors. “We have this amazing bond as three people who have been through something that is so unique that we really are like brothers.” Holland also revealed that the three of them share a private WhatsApp group, humorously named, reflecting the camaraderie that developed among the trio.

Garfield, who has been vocal about the emotional toll of his departure from the Spider-Man series, spoke candidly in a 2022 Variety interview about the experience. “I signed up to serve the story and to serve this incredible character that I’ve been dressing as since I was three, and then it gets compromised and it breaks your heart,” Garfield said, admitting he felt “heartbroken” by the decision to part ways with the role.

While Holland continues to take a break from his web-slinging days, focusing on his new role in the period thriller The Crowded Room for Apple TV+, his reflections on his journey as Spider-Man and his relationship with Garfield show a level of introspection that adds depth to his growth as both an actor and a person.

Holland’s regret over not reaching out to Garfield is a rare, candid moment from the actor, underscoring the personal nature of the Spider-Man legacy. It also highlights the profound impact the role has had on all three actors, making their bond a truly unique and unforgettable part of Hollywood history.