Will Tom Holland Really Quit Acting for Fatherhood? Inside His Life-Changing Plans

Tom Holland, best known for his portrayal of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young stars since his breakthrough role in 2015. However, as his career continued to skyrocket, Holland began reflecting on the sustainability of acting and his own personal aspirations. From early career doubts to a definitive plan for the future, Holland’s evolving relationship with fame and acting sheds light on the pressures of stardom and the search for balance.

Early Career and Initial Reflections: A Desire for Change

Holland’s journey into acting began at the age of 11, and by 2021, at 25, he had already achieved immense success, particularly with his role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. However, during promotional interviews for Spider-Man: No Way Home, Holland expressed a sense of uncertainty regarding his future in the industry. In a conversation with Sky News, he admitted, “I started acting when I was 11 and I haven’t done anything else, so I’d like to go and do other things.” He referred to this moment as a “pre-midlife crisis,” hinting at a desire to explore life beyond the world of acting. Although not an outright declaration of his intent to quit, this statement indicated a growing awareness of the all-consuming nature of his career and his openness to a potential change.

2023: Mental Health and the Need for a Break

The pressures of fame and intense project schedules continued to weigh on Holland in the years that followed. By June 2023, he was balancing roles in major franchises and starring in The Crowded Room, an Apple TV+ series where he both acted and produced. The role required him to portray a character with severe mental illness, which took a significant psychological toll on the actor. In an interview with Extra, Holland openly acknowledged the intense stress he faced, revealing, “The role ‘did break me.'”

He elaborated on this in an interview with the BBC, where he explained that the demanding nature of the project left him feeling “broken.” As a result, Holland announced a year-long break from acting, citing mental and physical exhaustion. This break, which he described as a sabbatical to recover and recharge, did not signal a permanent exit from Hollywood, but it underscored the immense pressures associated with his profession. It also highlighted the importance of maintaining mental well-being and the need for balance in an actor’s career.

2025: A Clear Decision to Prioritize Family

The most definitive statement about Holland’s future came in early 2025, when he shared his intentions regarding his career in an interview with Men’s Health. At 28, Holland expressed a clear plan for the future, stating, “When I have kids, you will not see me in movies anymore.” He further elaborated, saying, “Golf and dad. And I will just disappear off the face of the earth.” This declaration marked a significant shift in Holland’s priorities, as he made it clear that starting a family would take precedence over continuing his career as an actor.

This statement resonated across multiple outlets, with People.com, The Daily Mail, and The Independent all reporting on his plans to step away from acting when he and his partner, Zendaya, have children. The desire to lead a more private, family-oriented life aligns with the couple’s shared values. Zendaya has previously expressed a similar longing for a “safe and protected life with my family,” underscoring the couple’s mutual desire for privacy and a sense of normalcy away from the public eye.

The Influence of Zendaya and a New Chapter

Holland’s relationship with Zendaya plays a significant role in his desire to step away from acting. The couple, who have been together since 2021, has faced immense media attention throughout their relationship. Holland’s comments about “disappearing off the face of the earth” suggest that he envisions a complete withdrawal from the spotlight, potentially transitioning into producing or taking on behind-the-scenes roles, as discussed in various online forums. Their shared vision for a quieter life away from the public eye further reinforces Holland’s decision to reprioritize family over fame.

Timing and Uncertainty: A Vision for the Future

As of April 2025, Holland has not yet started a family, and his decision to quit acting remains contingent on that future milestone. His statement about leaving Hollywood represents a long-term vision that is still some years away, depending on when he and Zendaya decide to have children. Unlike his earlier reflections in 2021, which were more about navigating the immediate pressures of his career, the 2025 interview reveals a more definitive plan for his life. Holland has expressed that he wishes to embrace a “normal” life outside of the public spotlight—a stark contrast to the high-profile career that has defined his early adulthood.

Holland’s evolving stance on acting is a reminder of the personal challenges that come with fame. The pressures of maintaining a public image and managing demanding projects can take a toll on anyone, regardless of success. For Holland, the path forward seems to be one of balance, family, and the pursuit of a quieter life away from the intense scrutiny of Hollywood.

As Holland continues to navigate his career and personal life, fans will undoubtedly respect his decision to step back and prioritize what truly matters to him. Whether he returns to the screen or steps into a new chapter behind the scenes, his commitment to family and well-being will likely define the next phase of his life.