Fans have been treated to three live-action versions of everyone’s favorite neighborhood Spider-Man since the turn of the millennium, with Tom Holland being the last.

And the 27-year-old had huge shoes to fill. Not only did he have to surpass Tobey Maguire’s OG Spider-Man, considered by many to be the standard, but he also had to compete with Andrew Garfield, who was the cheeky and cool Peter Parker we all love. Overshadowing the two is an impossible feat. But Holland was never daunted by the task, fashioning a name for himself.

While he shares a close bond with Robert Downey Jr., his other co-star, Chris Hemsworth helped him bag the role.

Why Tom Holland was the right fit for Spider-Man?

Tom Holland impressed as Spider-Man in the MCU
Tom Holland is your perfect schoolboy Peter Parker. Someone who is a bit naive. Someone who has to do what is right. That is how the Devil All The Time star has remained relevant and looks set for a promising MCU future.

Central to his success has been Robert Downey Jr. The Sherlock Holmes star has always been there for Holland, both on and off the screen. But the Uncharted star has another MCU star that he must thank for bagging the role – Chris Hemsworth.

Chris Hemsworth recommended Tom Holland for Spider-Man

Chris Hemsworth felt Tom Holland had a big heart
Chris Hemsworth had the opportunity to work with Tom Holland while shooting In the Heart of the Sea. While promoting Men in Black: International, he told Entertainment Tonight,
“We worked on In the Heart of the Sea together, obviously, then through Avengers and as they were casting him for Spider-Man, I did what I could do and made a call and said he’s one of the most talented people I’ve worked with and has such a big heart and appreciation.” (Entertainment Tonight)
The next thing Tom Holland knew was that he was in.

The solid combo of Spider-Man and Thor

Tom Holland and Chris Hemsworth share a close bond
Chris Hemsworth’s rapport with Holland has only grown ever since. The Extraction star could be seen gushing on the red carpet when asked about their camaraderie. He said,
“I don’t know, we have a great friendship, it’s a good mutual respect.” (Entertainment Tonight)
The duo even got together once for an interview where Holland promoted Spider-Man: Far From Home while Hemsworth promoted Men In Black: International. What stood out was the chemistry they shared. No wonder the Thor star must be delighted that he made the recommendation.

One wonders whether we’ll ever get to see the two collaborate in the MCU.