“The Walking Dead” star Jon Bernthal revealed that he and “Spider-Man” actor Tom Holland worked together to land their respective roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Bernthal opened up about his relationship with Holland during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Thursday, April 17.
Bernthal Recalls Filming MCU Audition Tapes With Holland
Bernthal and Holland first crossed paths when they co-starred in “Pilgrimage.” Following the project, which debuted in 2017, the pair are due to cross paths yet again as they star in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” in 2026. While it remains unclear what role Bernthal will play in the forthcoming film, it has been announced that Holland will star alongside “The Martian” star Matt Damon as one of the film’s co-leads – Telemachus.
The duo of actors similarly star in the ever-expanding MCU as The Punisher (Bernthal) and Spider-Man (Holland), though their characters have never appeared on screen together. Bernthal made his MCU debut in “The Punisher” in 2017, though the character has since appeared on “Daredevil” and “Daredevil: Born Again.” Meanwhile, Holland joined the MCU in 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War.” The 28-year-old actor has since appeared in five Marvel films as Spider-Man.
GettyHolland’s latest MCU project, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” is set to begin filming in London this Summer, with a projected release date of June 31, 2026.
“We did a film together about seven or eight years ago,” Bernthal told Jimmy Kimmel, referencing their work on “Pilgrimage.” “That was where both Tom did his audition for ‘Spider-Man’ and I did my audition for ‘Punisher.’ We actually made each other’s audition tapes [working] on that film.”
The 48-year-old actor recalled Holland’s “focus” and “belief” that he would land the role. “He really believed he was going to get it,” added Bernthal, saying that Holland went as far as telling himself “I’m Spider-Man.”
“I was like, ‘There’s probably a lot of people that want to be Spider-Man. I mean, you’re super talented and all, but the odds are kind of against you, but yeah, let’s make a tape’,” Bernthal said. “He just had this belief, and when you get to know him and see how he shows up, there is a reason why he is the movie star that he is.”
Bernthal Says he Takes “a Little” Credit for Holland’s MCU Start
Bernthal admitted that he does take “a little” credit for Holland landing the high-profile role, recalling the moment he encouraged Holland to incorporate more athleticism and stunts into his audition tape. “I gave him the note, ‘Tom, maybe you should run up that wall and do a double backflip and then start the scene.’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, you think I should do that? That’s not too much?” Bernthal recalled.
He added: “I was like, ‘I don’t think any of these other fools are able to do that,’ and he in fact did it.”
When asked if he took any credit for Holland landing the role, Bernthal told Kimmel: “It’s not that I take responsibility for him, but you know, a little something.”
Holland has raked in an estimated $20.75 million in contracts for his role as Spider-Man in six MCU films, including “Captain America: Civil War” ($250,000), “Avengers: Infinity War” ($3 million), “Avengers: Endgame” ($3 million), “Spider-Man: Homecoming” ($500,000), “Spider-Man: Far From Home” ($4 million), and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” ($10 million).
GettyThe role has previously been portrayed by Tobey Maguire from 2002 to 2004 and Andrew Garfield from 2012 to 2014, but late-night host Jimmy Kimmel identified Holland as “the best Spider-Man ever.”
Bernthal echoed the sentiment, saying, “Ever, without a doubt.”
Comments
‘Walking Dead’ Star Reveals How he Helped Tom Holland Land ‘Spider-Man’ Role