Newlyweds Tom Holland and Zendaya speak about growing up together on set, sharing the screen again, and the food memories they carry from every project
Puja Talwar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 27, 2026)

Nearly a decade after the franchise that brought them together, Hollywood star couple Tom Holland and Zendaya will be seen in the fourth film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, on the heels of The Odyssey. During the London leg of promotions, the newlyweds spoke to us. Excerpts:

After five films over a decade together, what’s something that has not changed?
Zendaya: When we are all together, we start acting like kids again! We bring out a childish joy and youthful, reckless abandon in each other. Yes, we have all grown a lot, but we are still the same kids from the very beginning.
Tom: I agree.

Does Tom surprise you?
Zendaya: Yes, it’s pretty much with these two (Tom and co-star Jacob Batalon). I never know what they will do when they get together, and then they start riffing off each other. I never know where or in which direction they could go. Most of it gets left on the cutting-room floor since it’s not usable. It’s about never knowing what fun things you’re going to find in a scene.
Tom: Yes, pretty much, and most of it is not usable. But there’s always that little bit of gold in there.

And how does Zendaya surprise you, Tom?
Tom: I think in exactly the same ways. We’re actors who really love to have fun on set, try new things, think outside the box, improvise and keep everyone on their toes.

Is there pressure or excitement about being a part of a universally loved franchise?
Tom: Both of those things are true. In some circumstances, pressure is a privilege; we’re really lucky to be a part of these films. Understanding that there is great anticipation and excitement for these movies is a great motivator. And we have always taken the responsibility of representing these characters to heart.

Do you have a pre-release ritual?
Zendaya: I associate different movies with different foods. I’ll find a food and that’s all I will eat through the whole shoot. On No Way Home (2021), I had the same pasta every day for months. For Brand New Day, I had these potato things with a little dipping sauce every day. For Dune (2021), I ate so many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Early Euphoria (web series, 2019-2026) had so many Cool Ranch Doritos. It’s just funny that you get stuck on a food, and that represents the film for you.
Tom: I really don’t have a ritual, but I do carry a lot of Peter Parker with me.

How much have the characters influenced you?
Tom: Maybe I try to live my life a little bit like Peter, in the sense that he’s just super positive all the time. Being positive is something I really work towards and try to imbibe.
Zendaya: I like MJ’s weird, oddball energy.