Tom Holland Says He’s the “Good Illustration” Young Actors Need—And His Plan to Help the Next Miles Morales Proves It

In Hollywood, where bright lights often blur humility, Tom Holland has managed to remain a grounded presence. Best known for bringing Spider-Man to life in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the 28-year-old actor is now embracing a new role: mentor. Recently, Holland revealed that he sees himself as a “good illustration” for younger actors—and he’s eager to pass on the lessons he learned, particularly to whoever takes on the mantle of Miles Morales, the next Spider-Man.

Gratitude as His Foundation

Holland’s outlook is shaped by his own journey into Marvel’s high-stakes world. At just 20, he joined Captain America: Civil War—and admits he might have been swallowed by the pressure were it not for Robert Downey Jr. “I owe that to him,” Holland has said, recalling how Downey fought to preserve his lines and helped him find his footing.

That experience forged a deep sense of gratitude. Rather than centering his career solely on his billion-dollar successes—like Spider-Man: No Way Home, which grossed $1.9 billion worldwide—Holland frequently points to the mentors who paved his path. His humility is unusual in an industry that thrives on ego, and it’s this acknowledgment of collective effort that informs his belief that he can, and should, pay it forward.

Empathy for the Next Generation

Holland’s desire to mentor comes not from obligation, but empathy. He remembers the nerves of his first days on set, and he sees those same jitters in the young actors he now works with. On projects like The Crowded Room, he has spoken about the joy of guiding less-experienced castmates, echoing the support he once received.

“I’d love to do for a young kid what Downey did for me,” Holland explained. That sentiment extends to his hope of helping shape the MCU’s Miles Morales—Spider-Man’s successor from the comics who has become a cultural icon in his own right. Holland envisions his Peter Parker passing the torch in a meaningful way, giving the next actor not just screen time but guidance through the storm of scrutiny that comes with the role.

Selflessness in Action

What makes Holland’s approach stand out is his proactive willingness to create opportunities. Many actors at his level pull back from the demands of fame, but Holland leans in—discussing openly his struggles, from stepping away from alcohol to navigating mental health, in hopes of modeling authenticity for fans and peers alike.

His entrepreneurial ventures, charity work, and his openness about personal growth are all extensions of that philosophy: use the platform for something larger than self. In wanting to mentor the next Spider-Man, Holland is not clinging to legacy but ensuring the story continues with care, diversity, and integrity.

The “Good Illustration”

Holland’s career has already spanned strikingly diverse roles—from the raw vulnerability of The Impossible to the lighthearted charm of Peter Parker. But it’s his character off-screen—his gratitude, empathy, and selfless dedication—that makes him the “good illustration” he describes.

By championing the next Miles Morales, Holland embodies a truth often overlooked in Hollywood: success is not measured by how brightly one shines alone, but by how much light one leaves for others.

And if the past is any guide, Tom Holland is not just ready to swing into action—he’s ready to help the next hero take flight.

Would you like me to frame this more like a profile piece (with anecdotal storytelling and narrative detail, like a feature in Vanity Fair) or as a straightforward entertainment news article (shorter, fact-focused, like a piece for Variety or Deadline)?