While filming Pilgrimage, Bernthal and Holland shot each other’s MCU audition tapes—one for The Punisher, the other for Spider-Man
Los Angeles, April 20:
Jon Bernthal has revealed he played a behind-the-scenes role in helping Tom Holland become the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. During his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Bernthal shared how the two actors helped film each other’s Marvel audition tapes while working together on the 2017 historical drama Pilgrimage.
“We actually made each other’s audition tapes on that film,” Bernthal recalled. “Tom did his audition for Spider-Man, and I did mine for The Punisher. It was a big moment for both of us.”
“I Am Spider-Man” – Holland’s Unshakable Confidence
Despite fierce competition, Holland had unwavering belief in himself. Bernthal remembered the young actor repeating, “I am Spider-Man,” while prepping for the role that would ultimately define his career.
“I was like, ‘There’s probably a lot of people that want to be Spider-Man,’” Bernthal said with a smile. “But Tom just had that belief. And when you see how he shows up, you get why he’s the movie star he is.”
Bernthal’s Key Note: Flip Into Frame
Bernthal joked that he deserves a bit of credit for Holland’s successful audition, particularly for suggesting a bold move: “I told him, ‘Tom, maybe you should run up that wall, do a double backflip, and then start the scene.’”
Holland, ever the athletic performer, took the advice seriously—and nailed the move on tape.
“It’s not that I take responsibility,” Bernthal added with a laugh, “but you know… maybe just a little something.”
Holland would go on to debut as Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War (2016), later headlining his own trilogy and joining multiple Avengers films. Meanwhile, Bernthal’s performance as Frank Castle in The Punisher earned critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
Their impromptu collaboration during Pilgrimage may have quietly shaped two key chapters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.