Tom Hollandis set to return as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the coming years, but his new role inChristopher Nolan’s next movie is even more exciting. Since breaking out with the life-changing superhero casting and his debut as Peter Parker in 2016, Holland’s career has primarily been defined by playing the web-slinger. This is set to continue with himreturning forSpider-Man 4with Marvel Studios and Sony. While that film and his expected appearances in the two upcomingAvengersmovies are highly anticipated, news thatHolland will star in Christopher Nolan’s new filmis massive.
Nolan’sOppenheimerfollow-up is shrouded in mystery, per usual for the director, so there is not much information about what role Holland will play. Still, with a 2026 release date and Matt Damon’s involvement,the announcement of Holland’s casting is incredibly exciting. It officially pairs the British star with one of Hollywood’s most recognizable directors after seeing Nolan work with contemporaries like Timothée Chalamet, Barry Keoghan, and more. Even without the confirmed details of his role, Holland could benefit more from working with Nolan than from his upcoming Spider-Man return.
Christopher Nolan’s New Movie Is Tom Holland’s Biggest Role Since His Spider-Man Debut
Spider-Man Has Dominated The Actor’s Career Success
Christopher Nolan’s new movie might still be years away, but it is still already the biggest part for Tom Holland since joining the MCU and making his Spider-Man debut. Since 2016, Holland has appeared as Peter Parker in six MCU movies, as well as an uncredited cameo inVenom: Let There Be Carnage’s post-credits scene. The actor has made 11 other film appearances during that same stretch, including projects that allowed him to work with Benedict Cumberbatch, Robert Pattinson, Will Smith, Chris Pratt, Daisy Ridley, and Mark Wahlberg.
Holland has used several of these movies to work with notable directors, such as James Gray, Doug Liman, Ruben Fleischer, and reteaming with the Russo brothers. He even headlined Akiva Goldsman’s TV seriesThe Crowded Roomfor Apple TV+. Despite these various roles,Holland has not found much success away from Spider-Man.The Crowded Roomwas harshly reviewed, as wasCherryandChaos Walking. His animated movies received positive reviews but didn’t do well at the box office. Holland’s only real hit came withUncharted, which came right on the heels ofSpider-Man: No Way Home’s record box office.
50%
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88%
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21%
37%
Uncharted(2022)
40%
That all changes now that he’s working with Nolan. The director has one of the best track records in Hollywood at the box office and with critics.Nolan immediately becomes the biggest director Holland has worked withthroughout his career. And even though the movie is not in production yet, there’s a good chance that the collaboration will yield some of the best reviews for a film that Holland has ever been a part of.
Tom Holland Can Still Benefit Greatly From A Christopher Nolan Partnership
There’s Another Level Of Movie Stardom He Can Reach
It cannot be argued that Tom Holland is not already one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young stars thanks to the success and acclaim of his Spider-Man appearances. That’s why it might seem odd at first to suggest that Holland has room to grow and that Nolan can help him do so, but it’s true. The actor has mostly struggled over the years to find his spot beyond playing Spider-Man. Even though he’s tried to find success critically or financially elsewhere, the Nolan partnership is the one that can finally help him break out beyond the superhero movie crowd.
Christopher Nolan’s movieshave a tendency to attract large crowds and get those involved with them awards attention. Holland is no stranger to packing theaters with his films, but Nolan has appeal outside of the superhero genre. So whether Nolan’s movie is sci-fi, historical, action, or some other genre,there is room for audiences to gain a greater appreciation of Holland as an actorthrough the film. This could even translate to the actor potentially finding himself in the Oscars race years from now if his performance is deemed strong enough.
Why Christopher Nolan’s New Movie Is More Exciting For Tom Holland Than Playing Spider-Man Again
Nolan Can Bring Some Newness To Holland’s Career
Don’t get me wrong,I’m very excited for Holland to play Spider-Man againand suit up in Daniel Destin Cretton’sSpider-Man 4. That doesn’t stop Nolan’s movie from being even more exciting. Part of that excitement comes from it representing a chance for Holland to do something completely new.Spider-Man 4will surely take Peter Parker’s story in new directions, but it will still be a film that ultimately has the actor playing a familiar role.Nolan’s movie gives Holland the freedom to create a new characterand performance.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day: Cast, Story, & Everything We Know
After Spider-Man: No Way Home, Marvel and Sony have an even bigger task to make Spider-Man 4, but will Tom Holland return and would it be in the MCU?
Furthermore, the uncertainty about whetherSpider-Man 4is another multiverse-level story or keeps Peter on the streets of New York remains to be seen. Nolan’s film might not have any known plot details, but there is still an expectation thatthe director will deliver something fresh and bold. Seeing Holland operate in a film with that level of creativity is worth being excited about. The fact that its happening in aChristopher Nolanmovie is the cherry on top and makes it an opportunityTom Hollandhas needed for years.
