Tom Holland admits his movies are “shit”

When you are at the top of the industry, the pressure doesn’t just come from box office numbers; it comes from the relentless machine of promotion. British actor Tom Holland recently pulled back the curtain on this pressure, admitting that navigating the public spotlight can be tricky—sometimes you have to sell a project even when your personal feelings might tell you otherwise.

Speaking recently about the nature of press cycles, Holland shared an honest insight into the industry grind. He confessed that there were times when he’d secretly felt some projects were subpar, but knowing the game, one has to put on a brave face. When asked why people should watch a film, it is often easier to embrace the required enthusiasm.

Despite these candid moments, Holland is currently enjoying a period of major success with two massive blockbusters hitting cinemas: The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. He describes this run as a “victory lap,” feeling immensely proud of both films.

But the next chapter in Holland’s creative journey is shaping up to be even more personal and ambitious. His sights are now set on a biopic of the legendary dancer, Fred Astaire. Not only is he taking on the role, but he plans to personally handle all the intricate dancing sequences.

The ambition behind this project is deeply rooted in Holland’s own background. Having achieved his early fame as the star of the stage show Billy Elliot, there is a strong desire to channel that passion directly onto the screen. He insists on wanting to use no doubles for the dance scenes, aiming to capture the choreography exactly as Astaire would have performed it.

This pursuit stems from his own dancing roots. Holland has always been driven by the desire to fully immerse himself in the craft, seeking to execute every movement himself. It is a fascinating blend of blockbuster stardom and a deep personal craving for authentic artistic expression.

The success of The Odyssey has certainly provided a massive boost. The film achieved the biggest opening of 2026 for a live-action movie, generating a particularly warm reception among Greek audiences, highlighting how Holland’s current work resonates across borders.