April 19, 2025: Actor Jon Bernthal recently shared a behind-the-scenes story about how he may have played a small—but memorable—part in helping Tom Holland land his iconic role as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Bernthal revealed that both he and Holland were working on the 2017 film Pilgrimage when they were preparing audition tapes for their respective Marvel roles. Bernthal was gearing up for The Punisher, while Holland was auditioning for Spider-Man, which he would debut as in Captain America: Civil War (2016).
“We actually made each other’s audition tapes working on that film,” Bernthal said, describing how the two actors supported each other during the intense audition process. Bernthal recalled Holland’s unwavering confidence and belief that he would get the part, saying, “He really believed he was going to get it… He would say, ‘I’m Spider-Man.’”
Initially skeptical, Bernthal admitted he underestimated Holland’s odds due to the competitiveness of the role. “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 it was Holland’s determination and talent that impressed Bernthal—particularly his athleticism. That’s when Bernthal gave him a crucial suggestion. “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, ‘You think I should do that?’ I was like, ‘I don’t think any of these other fools are able to do that.’ And he did it.”
Bernthal laughed, “It’s not that I take responsibility for him, but you know, like a little something. I take a little credit.”
While both actors have found significant success in their respective Marvel roles, they are set to reunite on-screen for the first time since Pilgrimage in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey. The project boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Matt Damon, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, and Elliot Page, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Fans of both stars are eagerly awaiting their reunion—and perhaps another dose of cinematic magic born from their off-screen camaraderie.