Zendaya’s Family Has a Sweet Nickname for Fiancé Tom Holland — and It’s Exactly What You Think
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
From Co-Stars to Fiancés
Zendaya and Tom Holland’s real-life romance has been unfolding in the public eye since they first met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016. The pair’s on-screen chemistry as Peter Parker and MJ soon sparked rumors, which evolved into a full-fledged relationship. Their engagement—confirmed at the 2025 Golden Globes—cemented them as one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples.
But away from the red carpets and press tours, a recent family gathering in Oakland revealed something even more endearing about their relationship: Zendaya’s family has a playful nickname for Holland, and it’s straight out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
A Friendly Neighborhood Pet Name
In videos shared on X (formerly Twitter) from the Oakland celebration, Zendaya’s relatives can be heard affectionately calling Holland “Spider-Man.” The nod to his most famous role is delivered with warmth and familiarity, showing how seamlessly he’s been welcomed into the family fold.
One clip shows a party guest asking Zendaya how to say “I love you” in sign language before turning the camera toward Holland, quipping, “Oh, hold on, let me get Spider-Man.” Another video captures Holland cradling a baby, accompanied by the caption, “The real Spider-Man. Facts.”
The nickname, while obvious, seems to function as a term of endearment—an inside joke that bridges Holland’s fictional heroics with his real-life role as a cherished part of Zendaya’s personal world.
Blurring the Lines Between Role and Reality
Holland’s portrayal of Spider-Man has been a defining feature of his career, but this familial adoption of the moniker suggests it’s also become part of his identity within Zendaya’s closest circle. Rather than separating the actor from the role, her family appears to embrace the connection, folding his alter ego into their everyday interactions.
It’s a lighthearted reminder that, for Zendaya’s family, Holland isn’t just the man behind the mask—he’s their “friendly neighborhood Spider-Man,” both on screen and at the dinner table.
As the couple prepares for their next chapter together, it’s clear that the Holland–Zendaya love story is rooted not only in shared career milestones, but in the kind of personal bonds—and affectionate teasing—that make a relationship feel truly at home.
