Tom Holland is looking to expand his career beyond Spider-Man. Sony Pictures has acquired Penthouse in an early deal, an original story written by Drew Pearce, the screenwriter of Iron Man 3, which will become the British actor's next project outside the superhero universe.
The news comes just weeks after Spider-Man: Brand New Day surpassed $2.5 billion at the global box office, cementing Holland as one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. The move confirms that both the actor and the studio want to diversify their professional relationship beyond the spider suit.
A thriller tailored for Tom Holland
As reported by Deadline, Sony secured the rights to Penthouse before the project could attract interest from other studios. The story is being developed specifically for Holland, who will have an active role in the film's creative decisions.
For now, the plot remains under wraps. It is known to be a thriller, but Sony has not revealed details about the character Holland will play, the story's conflicts, or the final tone of the production.
The mark of Drew Pearce
Drew Pearce will write the script for Penthouse. His track record includes co-writing Iron Man 3 alongside Shane Black, his work on Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw, and the screenplay for The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.
Pearce also wrote and directed Hotel Artemis, a 2018 crime thriller starring Jodie Foster and Sterling K. Brown, centered on a clandestine hospital for criminals. His penchant for contained settings and characters with secrets fuels speculation about the tone Penthouse might take, although Sony has not confirmed any plot similarities.
Tom Holland will also be behind the camera
Beyond starring in the film, Holland will serve as a producer through Billy17, the company he founded with his brother Harry Holland and Will South. All three are involved in developing the story alongside Pearce, who will also produce through his own company, Point of No Return.
Ian Fisher joins the project as an executive producer. This structure aligns with the production deal Billy17 holds with Sony Pictures and reflects Holland's interest in having greater control over the projects he stars in.
As of now, it has not been confirmed who will direct Penthouse. Some reports suggest that Drew Pearce himself could take on that role, although Sony has not made it official.
An increasingly diverse agenda
Penthouse is not the only project moving Holland away from superheroes. The actor is also set to star in a biopic about Fred Astaire, the iconic American dancer and actor, with a cast that will include Margaret Qualley, Sabrina Carpenter, and Talia Ryder.
In addition to this, he is involved in La Odisea, the new production by Christopher Nolan, which reinforces his presence in some of the most significant cinematic offerings of the moment.
The combination of these projects suggests a clear strategy: using the commercial pull he gained from Spider-Man to push original stories and characters far from franchises, without completely abandoning big-budget productions.
When will Penthouse be released?
Sony Pictures has not yet announced a release date or a filming schedule for Penthouse. The project is still in the development phase, with Drew Pearce working on the script and no director or additional cast confirmed.
It will be necessary to wait and see how this production fits into Tom Holland's busy schedule, as he has several film commitments underway. What does seem clear is that Sony is looking to expand its relationship with the actor beyond Spider-Man, betting on a collaboration that includes both acting and producing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penthouse, the new Tom Holland movie, about?
The plot is currently unknown. Sony has confirmed it is an original thriller written by Drew Pearce, but has not revealed details about the story or Holland's character.
Who is writing the script for Penthouse?
The script is being written by Drew Pearce, co-writer of Iron Man 3 and the creative force behind films like The Fall Guy and Hotel Artemis.
Will Tom Holland also produce the film?
Yes. Holland will participate as a producer through Billy17, the company he founded with his brother Harry Holland and Will South.
Who will direct Penthouse?
There is no officially confirmed director yet, although some reports suggest that Drew Pearce could take on that role.
What other projects does Tom Holland have outside of Spider-Man?
In addition to Penthouse, Holland is preparing a biopic about Fred Astaire alongside Margaret Qualley, Sabrina Carpenter, and Talia Ryder, and he has already participated in Christopher Nolan's La Odisea.
When will Penthouse be released?
Sony Pictures has not yet announced a release date or filming schedule, as the film is still in the development phase.
