Tom Holland has become one of Hollywood's most sought-after stars, especially after a decade of playing Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the upcoming releases of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and the next Spider-Man film Brand New Day, his career is at a peak. But long before he donned the red-and-blue suit, the British actor honed his craft in a variety of roles, from period dramas to psychological thrillers. Here are nine pre-Spider-Man performances that deserve a second look.
In the Heart of the Sea
In 2015, Tom Holland shared the screen with future MCU co-star Chris Hemsworth in this maritime survival film directed by Ron Howard. The movie recounts the true story of the whaling ship Essex, which inspired Herman Melville's Moby-Dick. Holland played a cabin boy named Thomas Nickerson, who must retrieve oil from inside a whale carcass. The scene was shot practically—a plastic whale head was built, and Holland had to cover himself in Vaseline to slide inside. "The worst part was trying to get back out again because it was so slippy," he recalled. The role showcased his willingness to endure uncomfortable conditions for authenticity.
Wolf Hall
For his television debut, Holland landed a role in the critically acclaimed BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel's novel. He played Gregory Cromwell, the son of Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance). Set in the court of King Henry VIII, the series demanded subtlety and restraint, which a teenage Holland delivered alongside heavyweights like Damian Lewis and Claire Foy. His performance earned praise for holding his own in a cast of seasoned actors, signaling his potential for more complex roles.
How I Live Now
Based on Meg Rosoff's YA novel, this dystopian thriller features Holland as Isaac, the quiet twin brother of Edmond (George MacKay). Alongside Saoirse Ronan, the film tells the story of a teenage love set against the backdrop of World War III. Holland's understated performance added depth to a character who communicates mostly through silence, proving he could convey emotion without dialogue. The film also marked his first collaboration with Ronan, who later voiced the lead in Arrietty.
The Impossible
This 2012 film was Holland's breakout. Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, it depicts the true story of a family separated during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Holland played Lucas, the eldest son of Maria (Naomi Watts) and Henry (Ewan McGregor). Critics singled out his performance; The New York Times called him "a terrific young actor" who "matures before our eyes, navigating the passage from adolescent self-absorption to profound and terrible responsibility." The role earned him numerous award nominations and set the stage for his career.
The Lost City of Z
In this 2017 adventure drama, Holland played Jack Fawcett, the son of explorer Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam). Directed by James Gray, the film follows Percy's obsession with finding a lost city in the Amazon. Holland's character grows from a determined young man to a seasoned explorer, and he performed alongside Robert Pattinson (who also appears in The Odyssey). Despite strong reviews, the film underperformed at the box office, but it remains a hidden gem that highlights Holland's range in period pieces.
Edge of Winter
This psychological thriller stars Joel Kinnaman as a divorced father trying to bond with his sons during a hunting trip. Holland plays Bradley, a teenager who must protect his younger brother when their father becomes unstable. The film relies on tension and survival instincts, and Holland's performance was praised for its "quiet internal activity," according to The New York Times. The role demonstrated his ability to handle intense, character-driven drama.
Arrietty
At age 14, Holland provided the voice for Sho in the English dub of Studio Ghibli's Arrietty, a retelling of The Borrowers. Sho is a boy awaiting medical treatment who discovers tiny people living under the floorboards. Holland's gentle voice work matched the film's whimsical tone, and it was a early example of his versatility across different media. The film also reunited him with Saoirse Ronan, who voiced the title character.
Locke
In this 2013 experimental drama from Steven Knight, Tom Hardy is the only on-screen presence, but his character takes multiple phone calls. Holland voiced Eddie, the son of Hardy's character, who calls to update him on a football match. The role was small but crucial for showing Holland's ability to convey emotion through voice alone. The film was praised for its innovative structure, and Holland's contribution added realism.
Pilgrimage
Just before joining the MCU, Holland played Brother Diarmuid, a novice monk in medieval Ireland. The film follows a group of monks transporting a holy relic to Rome, encountering Norman soldiers and Gaelic warriors. Holland's character brings a quiet spirituality to the brutal landscape, and he starred alongside Richard Armitage and Jon Bernthal. The role highlighted his readiness for physically demanding historical epics, foreshadowing his future in The Odyssey.
These nine roles reveal a performer who deliberately chose diverse projects before becoming a global superstar. From the whale's belly to the halls of Tudor England, Tom Holland built a foundation that allowed him to seamlessly transition into blockbuster franchises while retaining the depth of character work he honed early on.
Source: MSN News