At the London premiere of 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' Zendaya (29) spoke about Tom Holland (30) and referred to him as her 'best friend.' The network 'MTV UK' asked the actress - this time with long flowing hair and wearing a white corset dress - if there was someone in her career with whom she had grown up together. Her answer came promptly: 'Well, Tom of course, my best friend. But being able to make these films with him is a privilege, and I love growing together and watching him.' Then she added: 'I mean, he's the best.'
From Colleagues to Confidants
Since the two were cast together in 2016 for 'Spider-Man: Homecoming,' the franchise has accompanied their careers. Their characters Peter Parker and MJ kissed for the first time on screen in 2019's 'Spider-Man: Far From Home.' Privately, Zendaya and Holland stuck with the version that they were simply close friends for years, while fans and the tabloid press had long suspected otherwise.
In July 2021, the denial became unnecessary. Photographers caught the two kissing in a car, thus making the relationship public according to 'Page Six'. Two months later, Holland congratulated his partner on her 25th birthday with a mirror selfie taken in his Spider-Man costume. 'My MJ, have the happiest of birthdays. Call me when you're up xxx,' he wrote in September 2021. Her response a few hours later: 'Calling now.'
Two Who Don't Like Talking About Themselves
The two have revealed little more since then, and quite deliberately so. 'I don't talk about it. I try my best to keep it as private as possible. We are both firmly convinced that this is the healthiest way for us as a couple,' Holland said in July 2023 on the podcast 'On Purpose with Jay Shetty.' Zendaya put it this way to 'Elle' : 'It's about protecting your own peace and keeping things to yourself, but also not being afraid to exist.'
The fact that Holland is usually absent from her film premieres has the same reason. 'Because it's not my moment, it's hers. And if we go together, it becomes about us,' he explained to the magazine 'Men's Health' for its cover story in January 2025.
From Diamond Ring to 'Wife'
It was in that very January that a piece of jewelry caused a stir. Zendaya appeared at the Golden Globes with a large diamond ring on her left ring finger, and less than 24 hours later 'People' confirmed the engagement. The two are now married, with Holland himself having confirmed the wedding.
He also casually let that slip recently on the British podcast 'Dish' . Moderator Nick Grimshaw and chef Angela Hartnett asked him who he would most like to vacation with in Greece. 'I think my wife would be pretty good,' Holland answered. 'It would be a bit odd if I said: Sorry, honey, I'd rather take Matt.' He was referring to his 'The Odyssey' co-star Matt Damon.
Professionally, things remain tightly scheduled for the couple. After appearing together in 'The Odyssey,' both are returning with 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' to where their on-screen partnership began. The film opens in theaters on Thursday, July 30. In December, Zendaya and Holland will then face off at the box office: On that day, her film 'Dune: Part Three' premieres simultaneously with his Marvel adventure 'Avengers: Doomsday.'
