On July 29, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" will be released in German cinemas. For Tom Holland (30) and Zendaya (29), it's already their fourth "Spider-Man" film together. The two have the franchise to thank for even more than just major box office success, as their love story started on the "Spider-Man" set.
The two stars first met in 2016 during the filming of the first installment of the franchise. On screen, they portray a duo that slowly grows closer and eventually becomes a couple - a progression that later mirrored itself off camera as well.
The 30-year-old publicly revealed in June that the two tied the knot this year in a strictly private ceremony. Their love story has been accompanied for years by speculation and paparazzi photos that repeatedly provided clues about their private happiness. A look back at the romantic development of their relationship.
Casting for "Spider-Man"
The foundation for their later relationship was laid in 2016: Holland and Zendaya were cast together for "Spider-Man: Homecoming" and stood in front of the camera together for the first time. He took on the role of the titular superhero, she portrayed MJ. A close bond developed between the two - initially, however, without romantic headlines.
First Romance Rumors
In 2017, the two promoted the new "Spider-Man" film together and spent a lot of time with each other. Speculation about a possible relationship quickly arose. A report by US magazine "People" caused additional commotion, further fueling the rumors. According to it, Holland and Zendaya were said to have grown closer. "They've been super careful to keep it private and out of the public eye, but they've gone on vacations together and try and spend as much time as possible with one another."
The two reacted with humor to the headlines and publicly denied the speculation. Zendaya commented on a corresponding tweet with the words: "Wait wait...my favorite is when it says we go on vacations together HA! I haven't been on a vacation in years! hbu @TomHolland1996 ???" and tagged her co-star. Holland picked up the tweet and responded jokingly: "Does the press tour count?"
They Talk About Their Friendship
In interviews as well, both repeatedly emphasized that they were just friends. Holland told "People": "I'm a little worried about dealing with fame, but Zendaya is super famous and has already been through it, and I just call her and say, 'How do I manage being famous?' I'm very glad to have a friend like her."
Zendaya expressed similar sentiments and said in conversation with "Variety": "We are friends. He's a great dude. He's literally one of my best friends."
Holland and Zendaya with Other Partners
In 2019, a relationship is said to have developed between Zendaya and her "Euphoria" colleague Jacob Elordi (29). The two were seen together in public multiple times. At the same time, Tom Holland wasn't alone either: He was linked to actress Nadia Parkes (30).
However, these alleged relationships couldn't have lasted long, because in 2021, Holland and Zendaya suddenly moved back into the spotlight of the rumor mill. The trigger was a kiss that paparazzi captured in Los Angeles. The two "Spider-Man" stars were seen in Holland's car kissing at a red light.
Birthday Post Goes Viral
In September 2021, a particularly clear sign followed: Holland congratulated Zendaya on Instagram on her birthday. "My MJ, have yourself a merry little birthday. Gimme a call when you're up xxx", he wrote alongside a photo showing him in his Spider-Man costume while Zendaya stands behind him taking the picture. Zendaya responded shortly thereafter with the words: "Calling now." Nevertheless, both publicly remained guarded.
Holland spoke to "GQ" about the kiss that went viral: "One of the downsides of our fame is that privacy isn't really in our control anymore, and a moment that you think is between two people that love each other very much is now a moment that is shared with the entire world", Holland said. He added that he doesn't want to talk about his relationship without his partner's presence. "I respect her too much to say... This isn't my story. It's our story. And we'll talk about what it is when we're ready to talk about it together."
Engagement and Secret Wedding
In 2023, further details came into focus: Zendaya wore a ring with Holland's initials, while a "Z" could be seen on some of the actor's pants. However, both still rarely spoke about their relationship itself. Zendaya told "Elle" that she wants to decide for herself what she reveals: "I accept that parts of my life are going to be public. But I also have control over what I choose to share. It's about having peace and having freedom, and being able to also just be unapologetically yourself. You can't hide. That's not fun, either. I am navigating it more than ever now."
In early January 2025, Zendaya appeared with a special ring, shortly thereafter "TMZ" reported that Holland had proposed to her in late 2024. His father Dominic Holland described according to "People" how carefully the actor had prepared everything: "Tom was incredibly well prepared. He'd bought a ring. He'd spoken to her father and been given permission to propose to his daughter. Tom had the whole thing meticulously planned... When, where, how, what he'd say and what he'd wear."
A year later, speculation about the couple's wedding followed. Finally, their longtime stylist Law Roach (48) also fueled the rumors further and said at the Actor Awards: "The wedding has already happened. It's true!" Later, Holland confirmed in a cover story for "Esquire UK" that the wedding had already taken place. "That's all you're going to get", he added briefly. Both will be seen together again on the big screen starting July 29 with "Spider-Man: Brand New Day", and in parallel they are currently also present in cinemas in Christopher Nolan's "Die Odyssee".
