Tom Holland, the current star of the Spider-Man franchise, has publicly endorsed 16-year-old British actor Owen Cooper as his preferred choice to take on the mantle of Peter Parker. Holland, 30, shared his thoughts in a recent interview with Esquire, highlighting Cooper's talent and recent rise to prominence.
Cooper has garnered significant attention following his breakout performance in the Netflix miniseries 'Adolescence'. In the Emmy-winning drama, he portrayed Jamie Miller, a troubled teenager, a role that earned him both a BAFTA Television Award for Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe in the same category, making him the youngest ever recipient of both accolades. 'Adolescence' is available to stream in the UK on Netflix.
Despite Holland's suggestion, there has been no official announcement regarding his departure from the beloved superhero role, which he has played since 2016's 'Captain America: Civil War'. The fourth instalment in the franchise, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day', is slated for release on 31st July and is described by Holland as the most emotional film yet. The movie will see the return of co-stars Zendaya and Jacob Batalon, alongside newcomer Sadie Sink.
Holland has previously hinted at a future beyond playing Spider-Man, stating his intention to step away from acting when he decides to start a family. However, he has also expressed a desire to remain involved with the Marvel films, envisioning himself in a mentorship role similar to how Robert Downey Jr. guided him during his initial Spider-Man appearances. He told Esquire, "I would love to be that person for whoever is next."
His comments about a successor have previously included a broader vision for the character, suggesting possibilities such as Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, or Spider-Woman. Holland's commitment to setting up the next chapter of the Spider-Man universe underscores his enduring connection to the franchise, even as he considers his personal future.
The upcoming film, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day', is set five years after the events of 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', which concluded with Peter Parker living in a universe where his closest friends and family no longer remember him, setting the stage for a compelling new chapter.
Source: Esquire