Tom Holland Calls Some Of His Past Films “Shit” in Candid Podcast Chat
In a refreshingly honest moment during a recent appearance on the Dish Podcast with hosts Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett, Spider-Man star Tom Holland admitted that promoting certain films from earlier in his career was far from enjoyable—because he didn’t believe in them.
While discussing his current high-profile press tour for Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey (in which he plays Telemachus alongside Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway) and the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the 30-year-old actor contrasted the experience with previous projects. “When you’re doing press for movies you’re really proud of, it’s really easy,” Holland explained. “Because when they ask you questions about why should people go and watch this movie, you’re not lying to anyone. You really feel like people should go see it.”
He continued more candidly: “I’ve had experiences before when people say, like, ‘Why should you see this movie?’ And in the back of your mind, you’re like, ‘You shouldn’t, because it’s shit.’” The remark, delivered with a laugh, has since gone viral, sparking widespread speculation among fans about which titles he might have been referencing. Possible candidates floated online include critically panned or underperforming efforts like Dolittle, Chaos Walking, or others from his post-The Impossible phase, though Holland named no specific films.
The comments highlight the often-unspoken pressures of Hollywood stardom. Young actors frequently find themselves contractually obligated to hype projects that, in hindsight or even at the time, fall short of expectations. Holland, who broke out as a teenager in the 2012 tsunami drama The Impossible, has navigated a mix of blockbusters, indie dramas, and big-budget gambles over the past decade-plus.By comparison, his current moment feels like a “victory lap,” he said. Holland expressed genuine pride in both new films, noting how much easier and more authentic it feels to promote work he stands behind wholeheartedly. The summer double-header of a prestige Nolan epic and a major Marvel return marks a career high point for the British actor, who recently turned 30 and described the period as the end of a chapter.
Fans have reacted positively to Holland’s transparency, appreciating the rare glimpse behind the polished promotional facade. In an industry where stars are usually expected to toe the company line, his candor feels like a breath of fresh air—even if it leaves a few past releases with renewed awkward questions. As Holland swings into this next phase, it’s clear he’s prioritizing passion projects, and audiences seem ready to follow.
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.