Tom Holland’s Struggle to Break Free from Spider-Man

Tom Holland has become almost inseparable from his role as Spider-Man, with Marvel and Sony keeping him firmly in the web-slinger’s suit. Despite his status as one of the most recognisable young actors, his efforts to branch out have mostly failed to shift public perception. It’s a familiar story for superhero stars—Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, and even Henry Cavill have all found it tough to escape the shadow of their blockbuster franchises.

Holland first swung onto the scene as Peter Parker in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, quickly winning over fans. Three solo outings later, his association with the character only deepened. His off-screen relationship with Zendaya, his Spider-Man co-star and now fiancée, has only cemented that image. The box office numbers speak for themselves: his Marvel films have raked in billions, with the Spider-Man trilogy alone pulling in close to $4 billion worldwide.

Box Office Success, Typecasting Woes

With a fourth Spider-Man film, Brand New Day, on the way, Holland’s popularity has made him a go-to for big-budget projects. Studios, keen to cash in on his fame, have cast him in a string of high-profile films. Unfortunately, these projects—Chaos Walking, Cherry, and Uncharted among them—have struggled to make a mark. Even his voice work in animated features like Dolittle and Onward hasn’t helped him break the mould.

Take Spies in Disguise, for example. Holland teamed up with Will Smith in this animated caper, voicing a young scientist who accidentally turns a secret agent into a pigeon. Despite a promising premise and decent reviews, the film only just scraped past its budget, earning $172 million on a $100 million spend. It failed to draw big crowds, and Holland’s performance went largely unnoticed.

Critical Misses and Box Office Flops

Dolittle, another post-Avengers project, saw Holland reunite with Robert Downey Jr. The film, aimed at kids, was a costly misfire. Despite grossing $251 million, the huge budget meant Universal took a hefty loss. Critics panned the film for its muddled story and flat jokes, and it even picked up a Razzie for Worst Remake. Holland’s role as the voice of Jip, a loyal dog, did little to boost his profile.

Onward, an animated fantasy adventure with Chris Pratt, was praised for its heart but flopped at the box office, earning $133.3 million against a $200 million budget. Released just as the pandemic hit, the film’s timing couldn’t have been worse. Holland’s vulnerable performance as Ian Lightfoot was well received by critics, but few punters saw it in cinemas.

Attempts at Grit and Grown-Up Roles

Holland’s turn in The Devil All the Time showed a darker, more mature side. Playing Arvin Russell, he impressed critics with his emotional depth and convincing Southern accent. The film, however, split reviewers and failed to gain much traction after a limited cinema run and a quick drop onto streaming. Had it been better received, it might have set a new course for his career.

Cherry, his first non-Marvel collaboration with the Russo Brothers, saw Holland go all-in, transforming his body for the role of a troubled veteran. While his and Ciara Bravo’s performances were praised, the film itself was criticised for its direction and writing. The same pattern repeated: strong acting, but the project as a whole didn’t land.

Big Budgets, Bigger Disappointments

Chaos Walking, co-starring Daisy Ridley, was beset by production woes and delays. Despite a promising cast and source material, the film bombed, earning just $27.1 million on a $100 million-plus budget. Extensive reshoots and rewrites left the final product feeling disjointed, and critics were unimpressed.

Uncharted, based on the popular video game, fared better at the box office, pulling in over $400 million. Still, critics weren’t sold, giving it a lukewarm reception. Holland’s performance as Nathan Drake didn’t offer anything new, and the film’s connection to his Spider-Man producers made it feel like more of the same. A sequel is in the works, but delays are expected due to Holland’s packed schedule.

Looking Ahead: A Chance for Reinvention?

Holland’s next big swing comes with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, where he stars as Telemachus alongside Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, and others. Holland has called it “the job of a lifetime,” saying:

Matt Damon has always been a hero of mine, Anne Hathaway has always been a hero of mine. So to share scenes with them, to learn from them, to become friends with them, I couldn’t have asked for a better job.

Filmed in Morocco and Sicily, The Odyssey is set for release in July 2026, with fans hoping it will finally let Holland step out from behind the mask. Universal is backing the project, fresh off the success of Oppenheimer, and expectations are high for Nolan’s latest epic.

Previously, we took a closer look at Holland’s range beyond Marvel, from survival dramas to gritty thrillers. If you’re keen to see which performances have critics talking, check out our earlier piece on his most impressive roles outside the MCU.