Tom Holland recalls Robert Downey Jr.’s pivotal support during his Spider-Man debut

A hero off-screen too

Emerging star Tom Holland has captivated audiences worldwide as the new Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). His journey as Peter Parker began with a significant moment in Captain America: Civil War, where he shared his first scene with none other than Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark/Iron Man.

Appearing on the “Rich Roll Podcast,” Holland delved into the overwhelming experience of acting opposite Downey for the first time. The young actor revealed how the seasoned star’s intervention proved crucial in shaping his portrayal of the web-slinging hero.

First impressions and screen tests

Reflecting on his screen test, Holland described an intense, eight-page dialogue scene that initially seemed daunting. “When I had to take my mark and do my scene with Downey, it was really overwhelming,” admitted Holland. However, Downey’s unique approach to improvisation turned this challenge into a learning opportunity.

“When I did my first take with Downey, he just started improvising everything and changing it all. That gave me license to follow him. You can’t beat Downey, but you can ride his coattails. And those are good coattails to ride. I just followed his lead and we improvised. I thought after that audition that I got it. It went so well.”

Unexpected changes and impromptu advocacy

Despite this successful screen test, Holland encountered a surprising twist on set. His meticulously prepared scene had been considerably reduced, a move that didn’t sit well with Downey. “When I got to set after I got the gig, my scene had been cut down significantly from what I did in the audition. It was now maybe two pages,” Holland recounted. “Downey piped up: ‘Where did all of the kid’s lines go?’”

The directing duo, Joe and Anthony Russo, attempted to justify the edit by pointing to the already massive script. However, Downey persisted with an insistent suggestion: “No, you’re going to want to spend time on this. Let’s shoot the whole thing from the audition. You can always cut it, but you’re going to want to have it.”

Downey’s foresight proved invaluable as the full scene from the audition was ultimately used, significantly boosting Holland’s performance. “I owe that to him,” Holland expressed gratefully. “That’s really cool. I’d love to one day do that… If I’m lucky to bring Miles Morales into the MCU, I’d love to do for a young kid what Downey did for me.”

Behind the scenes: personal growth and new ventures

The journey to becoming Spider-Man wasn’t just a professional milestone for Holland. It also marked a turning point in his personal life. Holland revealed an amusing yet insightful anecdote related to his first screen test with Downey. He had indulged in the mini-bar the night before, an admission he shared with a chuckle. “Marvel found out about that,” he confessed. This experience was also a precursor to significant lifestyle changes; the actor has since adopted sobriety and even launched his own brand of non-alcoholic beer, Bero.

Rise to stardom and future projects

Holland’s portrayal of Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War instantly resonated with fans, securing him a prominent place in the MCU. This appearance paved the way for leading roles in subsequent hits, such as 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming and its follow-ups.

Holland’s journey with Marvel is far from over. Both Marvel and Sony are keenly developing a fourth standalone film for his Spider-Man, underscoring the continued confidence in his portrayal of the iconic character.

Embracing mentorship

One of the most profound takeaways from Holland’s recount is his aspiration to carry forward Downey’s legacy of mentorship. Echoing Downey’s supportive role during his early days as Spider-Man, Holland expressed his hopes to guide and empower future stars, much like how Downey did for him. His enthusiasm for potentially introducing Miles Morales to the MCU reflects his desire to champion new talent and storytelling in the expansive Marvel universe.

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