IT’S NEARLY 80 DEGREES
ON an October Monday in New York City, the temperature feels summery at almost 80 degrees. Despite the warmth, the patrons lounging at the Greenwich Hotel are embracing their fall vibes. The hotel itself seems to reflect the season, with a blazing fire crackling in a grand hunting-lodge-style fireplace, making the dimly lit lounge equally toasty.
Tom Holland relaxes in a striped silk armchair positioned near the flickering flames. Sporting white On running shoes, wide-legged trousers, and a cozy ivory sweatshirt, he swiftly removes the sweatshirt, offering a sheepish apology as the fabric shifts, revealing his T-shirt beneath. With a sigh of relief, he settles back into the chair. Behind him, shelves lined with ancient tomes and a taxidermied antelope head create an intriguing backdrop. The warm glow from the fire and a large red-shaded lamp casts dramatic shadows across his face, accentuating the contours, particularly the cleft in his chin. He exudes an aura fit for a dramatic reading from one of the books behind him, further enhanced by his friendly, unpretentious English accent—more reminiscent of a Hogwarts student than royalty.
“I think my accent irritates my parents,” he confides. “They speak quite eloquently, and I like to think I sit just below that level of eloquence.” He chuckles, adding that his brother Harry’s accent is “much worse.” “E fuckeen thinks he’s from the East End or something, and it drives my parents crazy,” he laughs.
I’m observing Holland for hints of what the Internet refers to as “rizz,” or charisma. Recently, Timothée Chalamet dubbed him “the ultimate rizz master” during an interview with LADbible TV. “The Internet knows this. Zendaya knows this. Everyone knows this.” It’s true that the online community buzzes with excitement anytime Holland appears in public, especially alongside Zendaya, the megastar he has been dating for a few years. Yet, I’m struggling to pinpoint the source of his allure. “It’s kind of an intangible quality,” reflects Spider-Man director Jon Watts. “You just look at him and feel an instant connection.”
To clarify, the 28-year-old actor undoubtedly possesses the essential traits for charm: he is engaging, thoughtful, and self-assured. I recall his memorable 2017 Lip Sync Battle performance, where he energetically danced to Rihanna’s “Umbrella” in a corset and tight leather shorts, culminating in a spectacular front flip onto a drenched stage. Like his character Peter Parker, Holland seems to possess hidden talents that could be limitless. However, tucked away in the hotel lounge’s corner, he conveys not an air of suave confidence but rather a profound authenticity.
This genuine demeanor is perhaps due to the fact that he isn’t promoting any film at the moment. In reality, he has just returned from a yearlong hiatus from acting. “It was something I needed,” he shares. “I’ve been acting non-stop since I was 11.” His journey began with an audition for Billy Elliot: The Musical in London. Shortly thereafter, he starred in The Impossible alongside Naomi Watts and took on the role of Spider-Man in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War. Since then, he has reprised his role as Spider-Man in two Avengers films and three solo Spider-Man movies, with a fourth installment on the horizon. He has also taken part in intense projects like Cherry, where he portrays a character facing love, combat, addiction, and robbery, and The Crowded Room, a psychological thriller about a young man entangled in a disturbing crime. In addition to the upcoming Spider-Man film, he will star alongside Matt Damon and Zendaya in a Christopher Nolan movie set for release in 2026.
His break served as a much-needed pause before stepping into a new phase, one where he can continue his rapid rise in Hollywood while savoring the benefits of his success. He enjoys hosting gatherings at his London home with friends and family. He indulges in carpentry and is an avid golfer with an impressive handicap of 2.9. He and his two brothers recently triumphed in a tournament with pro golfer Tommy Fleetwood. “That was the best day of my life! I called my lady and jokingly said, ‘I’m thinking of going pro,’” he laughs. Holland and Zendaya share a dog named Noon and recently adopted a Doberman named Daphne. “She’s adorable, it’s almost comical,” he says, proudly displaying a photo of a mischievous puppy. “This is her looking guilty after having an accident in my house.” (His charm is undeniably infectious.) Rather than the typical suave charisma expected from a superhero, Holland embodies a depth that feels authentic and genuine.
HOLLAND’S AUTHENTICITY SHINES through even when he discusses his new line of nonalcoholic beers, Bero, which he is actively promoting. Following our conversation, he will attend an event to introduce his beers to numerous bartenders. In the current landscape of celebrity-branded products, where actors often come across as robotic, Holland’s enthusiasm is palpable when he speaks about Bero.
He conveys that this venture is deeply personal for him. At his core, he’s just a regular guy who values close bonds with friends and family. He successfully executed the backflip, but it came at a cost—he ended up straining every muscle in his stomach. Proper technique is crucial for a successful flip, but the result left him unable to laugh for weeks due to severe soreness. Just like everyone else, stars push their limits to impress kids. Looking to whip up a meal that will impress your partner? Lately, I’ve been experimenting with a delightful lentil chili, which puts a twist on the classic chili con carne by using lentils instead.
As for euphemisms for intimacy? Well, that’s a private conversation between me and my lady!
Be sure to check out Tom Holland on the cover of the January/February 2025 issue of Men’s Health magazine.
Fashion Director: Ted Stafford
Stylist: Crystalle Cox
Assistant Stylist: Imani Granger
Grooming: Amy Komorowski/The Wall Group
Set Designer: Michael Sturgeon/Monday Artists
Tailoring: Darlene Deandrade
Production: Dana Brockman/Viewfinders
Executive Producer/Director: Dorenna Newton
DP/Editor: Elyssa Aquino
Cam Op: Robert Mroczko
AP: Janie Booth
This feature is part of the January/February 2025 edition of Men’s Health magazine. Be sure to grab your copy today!
