Andrew Garfield Reveals Why He Hasn’t Congratulated Tom Holland on ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘The Odyssey’

Actors who share a role often develop a unique bond, especially when that role is one of the most analyzed characters in modern pop culture. Few franchises have tested this dynamic like ‘Spider-Man,’ where various actors have donned the mask across different eras of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Andrew Garfield understands this dynamic well, having portrayed Peter Parker in two solo films before reuniting with fellow web-slingers Tom Holland and Tobey Maguire in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home.’ This shared history has made Garfield a fan favorite whenever discussions arise about Holland’s ongoing portrayal of the character.

With Holland currently enjoying the massive success of both ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ and Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey,’ many fans might anticipate a public show of support from Garfield. However, Garfield recently revealed that he hasn’t reached out to Holland regarding either film, and he has a specific reason for his silence.

At the premiere of his historical action drama ‘The Uprising’ at the DGA in West Hollywood, Garfield explained that he wants his praise to be meaningful rather than feel like an empty gesture. “I don’t want to be disingenuous,” Garfield stated, according to Variety.

He elaborated further, clarifying that his silence does not stem from a lack of support for his former co-star. “A movie making money and people going to see it is an incredible thing, but I will reach out to him once I’ve seen [‘Spider-Man’], which I’m very excited to see. And his other film, ‘The Odyssey,’ I haven’t managed to see either yet. I will send him a message when I see the work he has done,” Garfield said, according to Variety.

This approach indicates that Garfield wants any congratulations he offers to be based on an actual viewing experience rather than merely a courtesy message linked to box office success. He plans to watch both films before sending Holland any kind of response.

Even though he hasn’t seen ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ yet, Garfield is not surprised by its success, which has already grossed $891 million domestically and is projected to be the first movie to surpass $1 billion in North America alone. Reflecting on why the character continues to resonate with audiences, Garfield shared some insights into Spider-Man’s lasting appeal.

“Everyone has ownership over him, he’s everybody’s, and he’s decent and he’s good and he’s ordinary, and he’s extraordinary like all of us,” Garfield remarked, according to Variety. He added that it’s “impossible not to see yourself in that character,” which speaks to why the role has remained culturally significant across various actors and eras.

Garfield also addressed ongoing rumors about his potential involvement in ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ firmly stating that he is not part of the upcoming film. However, he left the door open for audiences to draw their own conclusions once the movie arrives, saying only that people will have to find out “one way or the other.”

This kind of playful ambiguity has become a hallmark for actors navigating the secrecy surrounding major Marvel releases, and Garfield’s comments are unlikely to quell speculation entirely. For now, fans will have to wait and see if Garfield’s Spider-Man makes a return, or if Holland will eventually receive that long-awaited message once Garfield catches up on his latest projects.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!