Marvel Star Tom Holland Shares the One Album He Can’t Live Without—And It’s a Reggae Classic!

Tom Holland, best known for his role as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has become a staple in modern pop culture. With his portrayal of the beloved superhero, Holland has amassed an army of fans and starred in one of the most financially successful films of all time, Spider-Man: No Way Home. But beyond his blockbuster achievements, Holland’s artistic tastes and inspirations span far beyond the world of cinema.

Born in London, Holland’s passion for the performing arts began at an early age, when he started taking dancing classes at just nine years old. He later expanded his talents into musical productions before landing prominent roles in projects such as the BBC miniseries Wolf Hall and Ron Howard’s In the Heart of the Sea. However, his career truly took off when he signed a deal with Marvel, portraying Spider-Man in six major films, including Homecoming and No Way Home, and becoming one of the faces of the MCU.

Amidst his success, Holland has also weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Marvel films, particularly in response to director Martin Scorsese’s critique that Marvel films are not cinema. In an interview, Holland passionately defended the artistry of Marvel productions, insisting that the effort that goes into shaping characters and arcs is no different than in traditional filmmaking. “The way I break down the character, the way the director etches out the arc of the story and characters – it’s all the same, just done on a different scale,” he explained. “So I do think they’re real art.”

While Holland’s perspective on cinema is rooted in deep respect for storytelling, he also draws inspiration from the world of music. During a Q&A session, Holland was asked what album he would take with him if stranded in the middle of nowhere. His answer was as soulful as his acting: Bob Marley’s iconic album Legend – the remastered version. The best-selling reggae album of all time, Legend is a timeless collection that showcases Marley’s powerful legacy in music.

Holland’s selection of Legend speaks volumes about his artistic sensibilities, blending his love for vibrant, meaningful storytelling in both film and music. His admiration for Marley’s work reflects a deeper understanding of the emotional power that music, like cinema, holds in shaping our experiences and perceptions of the world.

In choosing Marley’s Legend, Holland reveals a personal side that fans may not always see on screen. Beyond his action-packed roles in superhero films, Holland’s artistic range and openness to different influences highlight his multidimensional talent. Whether through acting or music, he continues to inspire, offering a glimpse into the broader cultural touchstones that shape his creative vision.