Zendaya Calls Tom Holland Her ‘Best Friend,’ Says She Loves Being Able to ‘Grow Together’
Zendaya Calls Tom Holland Her ‘Best Friend,’ Says She Loves Being Able to ‘Grow Together’
Angelique BrenesThu, July 30, 2026 at 3:16 AM UTC
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Tom Holland and Zendaya attend the “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” UK PremiereCredit: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty -
Zendaya called Tom Holland her “best friend” while reflecting on growing up alongside him in their careers
The actress said making the Spider-Man films with Holland has been “a privilege” and that she loves being able to “grow together” with him
Her comments come after Holland recently referred to Zendaya as “my wife” during an appearance on the U.K.-based Dish podcast
Zendaya is reflecting on what it’s like to have Tom Holland by her side — both on and off screen.
While attending the U.K. premiere of Spider-Man: Brand New Day in London, MTV UK. asked Zendaya if she has a lifelong friend in her career whom she’s grateful to have grown up alongside.
“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,” Zendaya said. “I mean, he’s the best.”
The pair have shared much of that growth through the Spider-Man franchise after first being cast alongside each other in Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016.
For years, Zendaya, 29, and Holland, 30, maintained that they were close friends as speculation about their relationship followed the costars. Their characters, Peter Parker and MJ, shared their first on-screen kiss in 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home.
Their relationship was publicly confirmed in July 2021, when the pair were photographed kissing in a car.
Two months later, Holland celebrated Zendaya’s 25th birthday by sharing a mirror selfie of the pair taken while he was dressed as Spider-Man.
“My MJ, have the happiest of birthdays. Gimme a call when you’re up xxx,” Holland wrote in the September 2021 post.
“Calling now♥️,” Zendaya replied hours later.
Tom Holland and Zendaya attend ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ UK PhotocallCredit: Jeff Spicer/Getty
Though the pair have occasionally shared glimpses of their relationship, Holland has previously spoken about their decision to largely keep their personal lives private.
“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 said during a July 2023 appearance on On Purpose with Jay Shetty.
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“It’s about protecting the peace and letting things be your own but also not being afraid to exist,” Zendaya acknowledged in a separate interview with Elle.
Holland later explained why he typically doesn’t accompany Zendaya on the red carpet at her premieres.
“Because it’s not my moment, it’s her moment, and if we go together, it’s about us,” Holland told Men’s Health for the magazine’s January-February 2025 cover.
In January 2025, Zendaya sparked engagement speculation when she attended the Golden Globes wearing a large diamond ring on her left ring finger. Less than 24 hours later, PEOPLE confirmed that Zendaya and Holland were engaged.
Tom Holland and Zendaya attend the premiere of the film ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’Credit: VCG/Getty
More recently, Holland referred to Zendaya as “my wife” while answering a quick-fire question during an appearance on the U.K.-based Dish podcast.
When hosts DJ Nick Grimshaw and chef Angela Hartnett asked Holland, 30, “Which person would you like a holiday in Greece with?” he had a quick answer.
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“I think probably my wife would be pretty good,” Holland replied. “It would be a bit strange if I went, ‘Sorry babe, I’m gonna take Matt [Damon, Holland and Zendaya’s Odyssey costar] actually.”
“I think Zendaya always just brings me an unbelievable sense of calm,” Holland told Entertainment Tonight at the Brand New Day U.K. premiere. “Even in the midst of all of this craziness and traveling the world and making these movies and sometimes being really overwhelmed — because that’s what happens when you’re a human being... No one calms me down better than she does.”
Zendaya and Holland recently starred together in The Odyssey. They are now returning to the franchise where their onscreen partnership began with Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which arrives in theaters Friday, July 31. Zendaya also stars in Dune: Part Three, which opens on Dec. 18, the same day Holland’s Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
