Tom Holland admits promoting awful movies

Tom Holland is currently navigating the exciting world of blockbuster promotion, starring in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and gearing up for another potential hit, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Amidst the fanfare, Holland recently offered a candid look at what it feels like to sell a movie—and the difference between promoting something you genuinely love and just pushing a project.

When asked about the promotional circuit, Holland reflected on his recent experiences with these films. He admitted that when he is championing projects he truly feel proud of, the task becomes significantly easier. It transforms from a sales pitch into an earnest recommendation.

“When you’re doing press for movies you’re really proud of, it’s really easy,” Holland explained. “Because when they ask you questions about why should people go and watch this movie, you’re not lying to anyone. You really feel like people should go see it.”

This sentiment highlights a common struggle in the entertainment industry: the dichotomy between professional obligation and personal passion. Holland noted that he has experienced projects that didn’t inspire the same level of enthusiasm. He recalled moments where the pressure to promote films led to internal reservations, thinking about why audiences might or might not want to engage with them.

“I’ve had experiences before when people say, like, ‘Why should you see this movie?’ And in the back of your mind, you’re like, ‘You shouldn’t, because it’s shit,” he joked.

However, with The Odyssey and Brand New Day, Holland felt a shift. He described the experience as feeling like a “victory lap,” emphasizing his deep enjoyment of both films. “It’s felt really like a bit of a victory lap, to be honest. I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m super proud of both of the films.”

The Odyssey, which Holland stars in as Telemachus, has already proven its massive appeal. Christopher Nolan’s epic adventure grossed $652 million worldwide after less than two weeks in theaters, showcasing the power of a well-executed story.

Meanwhile, anticipation is building for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Projections for this next installment are enormous, with early estimates pointing toward an opening weekend between $180 million and $190 million domestically. The film is set to hit theaters on July 31, promising another major cinematic event for fans of the superhero genre.

Ultimately, Holland’s perspective suggests that authenticity is key to successful promotion. Whether promoting a sprawling historical epic or a superhero sequel, genuine enthusiasm translates into compelling advocacy, proving that pride in the work is often the best marketing tool of all.