Tom Holland is going through one of the most solid moments of his entire career. After a period with less presence in major releases, the British actor has returned to the center of the cinematic conversation thanks to two major projects in 2026: The Odyssey, by Christopher Nolan, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
This big comeback has led Joe Russo, one of the directors who knows his evolution as a performer best, to make a statement that has sparked debate both inside and outside the industry: Tom Holland is, in his words, the last great Hollywood star.
The statement carries weight because of who is saying it. Russo, along with his brother Anthony, was responsible for introducing Holland to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Captain America: Civil War (2016), and has since closely followed his growth as one of the most popular actors of his generation.
Joe Russo explains what makes Tom Holland different
In an interview with CBR, Joe Russo detailed what distinguishes Holland from other performers his age. For the filmmaker, his main virtue is not just technical, but the ability to connect with the audience in a natural and genuine way.
The director noted that few actors in recent history manage to convey such direct sincerity, and that this authenticity also translates to his performances, to the point where it seems his characters are literally pulled from the pages of a comic book.
This assessment is especially relevant when talking about Spider-Man. Holland brought a freshness and spontaneity back to Peter Parker that is very faithful to the original Marvel character, combining humor, vulnerability, and the feeling of a young man trying to do the right thing in the midst of chaos, something visible in some of his most memorable moments in Avengers: Infinity War.
A quality that recalls classic Hollywood
The magnetism that, according to Russo, almost no longer exists
The director's argument goes beyond acting. Russo maintains that Holland possesses a quality typical of the great stars of classic Hollywood, that ability to fill movie theaters simply by his presence in the cast.
According to his statements, the star of Spider-Man: Brand New Day demonstrates a star power that, in his opinion, barely exists in the current industry. Russo insists that, although there are many big stars in Hollywood, Holland's energy is different and comparable to very few actors throughout history.
This statement places Holland in a conversation traditionally reserved for names like Gene Kelly, Tom Cruise, or Leonardo DiCaprio: performers capable of transcending their characters and becoming the main draw of a film.
An energy distinct from other actors of his generation
What is striking is that Holland builds that magnetism from a different register than other young actors of his cohort. While performers like Timothée Chalamet or Jacob Elordi often opt for intense and complex roles, Holland maintains a youthful, approachable, and seemingly carefree energy.
That does not imply an absence of dramatic depth. Works like Cherry, directed by the Russo brothers themselves, showed that he can also move in much darker and more demanding registers.
The moment of Spider-Man: Brand New Day reinforces the argument
Russo's statements come in a context that is especially favorable for Holland. His participation in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, added to the commercial performance of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, has reinforced his status as one of the industry's biggest names.
There are not many actors who combine collaborations with filmmakers like Nolan or the Russos while simultaneously sustaining a large-scale franchise like Spider-Man.
Is he really the last great Hollywood star?
Joe Russo's statement allows for nuances. The industry still has figures like Tom Cruise, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, or Florence Pugh, capable of attracting massive attention and generating huge expectations around their projects.
It is possible that the key lies in how the very concept of a movie star has changed. For decades, Hollywood was organized around performers whose personality was as recognizable as their films. Today, franchises and major intellectual properties weigh heavily on the public's decision.
Tom Holland seems to combine both models: he embodies one of the most popular superheroes in the world, but he also sparks interest when he steps away from the Spider-Man suit, something unusual among actors associated with a single character.
That is perhaps the most interesting part of Joe Russo's comment. Beyond whether or not Holland is literally the last great Hollywood star, he does seem to be one of the few young actors capable of reminding us why, for a long time, the public went to the cinema not only for the story, but also for who was starring in it.
The real test will come when his career depends less and less on Peter Parker. If he manages to transfer that magnetism to completely different roles, Joe Russo's theory could end up gaining more strength than it seems to have today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Joe Russo say Tom Holland is the last great Hollywood star?
Because he considers that he possesses a natural connection with the audience and a star quality comparable to that of classic Hollywood, something that according to him is now rare in the current industry.
What is Joe Russo’s relationship with Tom Holland?
Joe Russo, along with his brother Anthony, directed Captain America: Civil War (2016), the film in which Holland debuted as Spider-Man within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What recent projects have boosted Tom Holland’s career?
His participation in The Odyssey, by Christopher Nolan, and the commercial success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day have reinforced his position as one of the current industry's major figures.
Does Tom Holland only stand out playing Spider-Man?
No. According to Joe Russo and his own filmography, Holland has also demonstrated dramatic depth in projects like Cherry, directed by the Russo brothers themselves.
What other actors are mentioned as current great Hollywood stars?
In the conversation about current stardom, names like Tom Cruise, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, and Florence Pugh are often cited.
