Zendaya gushes over growing up alongside ‘best friend’ Tom Holland at ‘Spider-Man’ premiere
At the U.K. premiere of Spider-Man: Brand New Day in London, Zendaya reflected on her years working with Tom Holland, describing him as her “best friend” and expressing gratitude that their careers have evolved side by side.
When asked by MTV UK if there was a lifelong friend in her career she was especially grateful to have grown up with, Zendaya responded, “Well, Tom, obviously, my best friend, but being able to do these films with him is a privilege, and I love to be able to grow together and watch him. I mean, he’s the best.”
The latest Spider-Man installment marks another chapter in a journey the two actors began nearly a decade ago. They were first cast opposite each other in Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016, launching a collaboration that has continued across multiple films in the franchise.
For several years after they began working together, Zendaya and Holland maintained they were close friends, despite speculation about their relationship. Their romance was confirmed in July 2021 when they were photographed sharing a kiss inside a car.
Since then, both have occasionally shared aspects of their relationship on social media but have consistently protected their privacy. Holland discussed this approach on the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast in July 2023, stating, “I don’t talk about it. I try my best to keep it as private as possible. We both feel very strongly that that is the healthiest way to move on as a couple.”
Holland has explained why he typically avoids walking the red carpet with Zendaya at her premieres. “Because it’s not my moment, it’s her moment, and if we go together, it’s about us,” he told Men’s Health in 2025. Around the same time, Zendaya sparked engagement speculation at the Golden Globes by wearing a diamond ring on her left ring finger.
In March, Zendaya’s longtime stylist, Law Roach, told Access Hollywood that the couple’s “wedding has already happened. You missed it.” Holland later confirmed the news in a June interview with Esquire, stating they had indeed married.
The pair recently appeared together in The Odyssey and will reunite in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which premieres July 31. Zendaya will next star in Dune: Part Three, while Holland appears in Avengers: Doomsday. Both films are scheduled for release on December 18.