Tom Holland is celebrating one of the biggest summers of his career, with The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day dominating conversations among moviegoers. While promoting both films, the actor reflected on how different this press tour feels compared to some of his earlier projects, admitting there were times when he struggled to enthusiastically recommend his own work. His refreshingly honest remarks have quickly caught fans’ attention, offering a rare glimpse into the realities of promoting blockbuster films.
With Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey crossing $300 million worldwide during its opening week and Marvel gearing up for the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Holland said he’s genuinely excited to speak about projects he truly believes in. According to the actor, that hasn’t always been the case throughout his career.
Tom Holland opens up about promoting films he believed in
During an appearance on the Dish Podcast, Holland explained that promoting films becomes much easier when he has complete confidence in the finished product. Looking back at previous press tours, he admitted there were occasions when answering interview questions honestly wasn’t quite so simple.
“I’m absolutely loving it. When you’re doing press for movies you’re really proud of, it’s really easy. Because when they ask you questions about why should people go and watch this movie, you’re not lying to anyone. You really think people should go see it.”
The actor then made a surprisingly candid confession about some of his past work, revealing that not every project left him feeling equally enthusiastic.
“I’ve had experiences before when people say, ‘Why should you see this movie?’ And in the back of your mind, you’re like, ‘You shouldn’t, because it’s shit.’”
Although Holland didn’t mention any specific titles, his honesty resonated with many fans online, with several praising him for speaking openly instead of offering the usual promotional responses often expected during press tours.
A summer filled with two major blockbuster releases
Holland’s comments come at a particularly successful moment in his career. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has emerged as one of the year’s biggest theatrical releases, earning more than $300 million globally within its first week. The epic adaptation of Homer’s classic follows Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he embarks on a dangerous decade-long journey home after the Trojan War.
The film also boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Anne Hathaway as Penelope and Tom Holland as Telemachus, Odysseus’ son. Nolan’s adaptation has drawn attention for its ambitious scale, practical filmmaking and star-studded cast, adding another critically acclaimed project to Holland’s growing résumé.
At the same time, Holland is preparing to return to one of his most iconic roles in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which arrives in cinemas on July 31. The film continues Peter Parker’s story following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Doctor Strange’s spell erased Peter’s identity from everyone’s memory. The new chapter sees Spider-Man protecting New York anonymously while dealing with mysterious changes to his powers that could reshape his future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Holland calls the experience a ‘victory lap’
Despite the demanding schedule of promoting two blockbuster films simultaneously, Holland said the experience has been one of the most enjoyable periods of his career. Rather than feeling exhausted by the endless interviews and appearances, he described the promotional campaign as a rewarding celebration of projects he genuinely loves.
“It’s felt really like a bit of a victory lap to be honest. I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m super proud of both of the films.”
Over the years, Holland has built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most likeable leading actors, balancing massive franchise films with more dramatic performances. His willingness to admit that not every project has lived up to expectations also highlights a level of honesty rarely seen during blockbuster marketing campaigns.
As The Odyssey continues its impressive run at the global box office and anticipation builds for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Holland appears to be entering another high point in his career. Whether exploring ancient mythology alongside Christopher Nolan or swinging back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the actor has made it clear that promoting films becomes far more enjoyable when he genuinely believes audiences will have a great time watching them.
