Tom Holland is getting candid about the challenge of promoting a film that he wasn’t exactly a fan of.
During a recent interview on the Dish Podcast, the actor said he’s been “absolutely loving” his press tours this summer for The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day because he’s really proud of those movies. But he can’t say that about all the projects in his filmography.
“When you’re doing press for movies you’re really proud of, it’s really easy,” he 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.”
“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,’” he added with a laugh.
Holland didn’t name the specific films he was referring to, as he would have much rather continued the high praise of his latest pics. “It’s felt really like a bit of a victory lap, to be honest,” Holland said of The Odyssey and Brand New Day. “I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m super proud of both of the films.”
The Christopher Nolan-directed pic, based on Homer’s ancient Greek poem, follows King Odysseus’ (Matt Damon) dangerous voyage back to Ithaca after the Trojan War, including battles with mythical creatures, as he attempts to reunite with his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and son, Telemachus ( Holland). The film also stars Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Mia Goth, Corey Hawkins, Jon Bernthal, Samantha Morton, Travis Scott and Benny Safdie.
Since The Odyssey has already hit theaters — where it’s been dominating, sailing past $600 million globally in its second weekend — The Crowded Room actor has turned his attention back to Spider-Man promotion, which releases on July 31.
But he’s still grateful for everything he’s learned from his Odyssey co-stars throughout the film’s respective press tour. “I’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with Anne Hathaway for the last three days and doing press with her,” Holland said. “For me, that’s been an awesome learning experience. She’s such a pro.”
As for Brand New Day, Holland reunites with his wife, Zendaya, onscreen and Jacob Batalon for the fourth installment. The film sees Holland’s Peter Parker living entirely alone as Spider-Man in a world that doesn’t remember him. That’s until mounting pressure of seeing his old friends move on without him triggers a dangerous change, while a powerful new villain emerges.