Tom Holland

[00:00] *music* [00:04] Hello, everyone. Welcome to another episode of Good Hang. I am very excited. We have a [00:09] movie star with us today. We have a superstar and that is Tom Holland. Tom Holland, who is in two of the biggest movies to come out this summer, The Odyssey and Spider-Man Brand New Day. I think they're coming out in the same month. He's a legend. He's the best. And we talk about so many great things. We talk about your dad roasting your friends. We talk about the joy of dancing. We talk about doing American accents.

And I tell him that I believe that he is the type of man that [00:39] toxic masculinity. So he takes on that responsibility like a good man does. So cannot wait to get started. But before we do, we always talk to somebody who knows our guests. And we speak to Jacob Badalone today. Jacob, who plays Ned in Spider-Man, is Tom's really good friend in real life. I mean, they grew up together on set, you guys. So let's get Jacob on the line here. And I'm [01:08] And we'll check in. Jacob, are you there?

[01:17] This episode of Good Hang is presented by Paul Moliv. Family time isn't just the big moments. It's weeknight dinners, sitting around the table, everyone talking at once. So when the plates are empty and the sink is full... [01:31] use Palmolive Ultra. Palmolive's most powerful formula removes up to 99.9% of grease, leaving your dishes sparkling clean. And the new convenient pump makes cleaning even easier. So you can spend less time tackling dirty dishes and more time together. Shop now at com. [02:01] Hey, what's going on? Mahalo! Oh my God. Hey, what's going on?

I'm so sorry. My dog is like not leaving me alone. Not at all. Let's talk about this dog. For people that can't see this dog, what kind of dog we got here? She's a multi-poo. [02:19] She's so cute. She's well-groomed. Yeah, she's pretty. She just got her hair cut and she's, I swear to God, she was like not bothering me the whole day. [02:31] going like we love dogs on zoom what's her name uh her name is vulpix like the pokemon um yeah amazing yeah so there's that jacob it is so nice to talk to you oh thank you so much for having me this is so awesome i literally need to get the gushing out of the way pause um i i literally i love you so much this is so great i i'm such a big fan of you thank you very very much for saying

[03:01] kind of blown away that I'm talking to you today. Amazing. Oh, that's really nice. You're very, very famous. And, um, and they love your work as you I, and I love, I love, like, I will just say, and I feel it already in the work that you do, the, your spirit comes through. Oh, thank you so much. That means a lot to me. Thank you. Of course. It's really kind. And, and, and, and may I say, like, it's also just, it's very Hawaiian. I appreciate it. Yeah. I mean, hopefully people [03:31] this like there's something very [03:34] hard to pin down or like explain it almost like explaining it ruins it, but about Hawaiian people and culture.

But I mean, I, I, I just have to say, I thank you for your energy and, and Hawaii and their energy, because it means a lot. Um, we're thrilled to talk to you today because you and Tom Holland are a guest who I've never had the pleasure to meet and can't wait to meet. We're [03:58] are genuinely really good friends. Yeah, yeah. I mean, I think... [04:03] It's not hyperbole to say that we've literally seen each other grow up. And I've I'm obviously proud of who he's become and like what he's done with his life and where he's gone in his career as well.

[04:15] But it's crazy. We... [04:17] At the time, we weren't even allowed to drink alcohol. And now we're 30. [04:24] I know. I mean, in researching for today, the fact that when you guys got the parts, you were 18, 19? Yeah. Yeah. And frankly, signing a contract that was like, we're going to do a lot of movies with you. And it's going to be the next 10 years of your life. I mean, that is a big decision to make at that age. [04:47] Yes. Like hopefully is not a dick. Right.

[04:51] Exactly. Did you guys read together, audition together and read together? Yeah. So I had done like the traditional thing of, well, I think soft tapes at the time were still kind of new. Um, so I did, I did a couple of those and then we did a screen test together for the first time. And I think ever since like that time, it was, [05:08] back in like 2016, it just, I think that the chemistry was pretty apparent and, you [05:15] You know, at that time, I remember I don't remember a lot.

I feel like for me, that was like my first ever job. And so that that like that kind of big audition and, uh, [05:25] Coming in, it was all like literally such a blur that I barely remember what we said to each other. I just remember thinking like, God, I really hope I have a job after school. But it was just like such a great time with him because he was such a. [05:39] easygoing person and he made it so light. And at that time, you know, John Watts, our director at the time, really, really made it a point for us to really bond and, and, [05:50] It just it was like such a beautiful sort of story of of like two friends coming together out of nowhere.

Yes. I mean, you can just tell that you two really love and enjoy each other. And the movie hinges a lot on Peter and Ned's like relationship. Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. I think, you know, Tom is also very he's big on like making those relationships feel real. And like that's kind of the backbone of Peter Parker's story. [06:20] that it works. Yeah. I mean, it goes deeper, you know, to this, just this idea of like male friendships and how they're important they are and how, yeah. [06:29] men really need friends. Absolutely.

I don't want to advocate like male loneliness or anything. Yeah, but it's true. It's a real thing to have somebody that you know has your back and that also can kind of be with you through the tough times. Absolutely. In this new movie, I mean, there are some tough times because you guys all forget that you know each other and you have to kind of you have to learn to figure out what's great about each other again. It's a cool metaphor. [06:59] works out for him usually usually spider-man's life is not great so now are you did you grow up as a as a big fan of marvel and and comic books and these characters you know i gotta say i was more of a power ranger guy um power ranger is definitely my thing yes but i think what did you like about power rangers i think it's just like the colored leotards and just like their cool [07:29] Obviously it wasn't them doing the fight scenes, but it was still super cool.

Um, [07:34] I really I really got into superhero stuff like actually when Tobey Maguire was doing Spider-Man. And I think a lot of us for people who are like millennials, I think that was like our that was like our guy. Yeah. I remember when I first saw Spider-Man, I thought, like, how did this guy do all of this stuff? Yeah. And then I see Tom doing all this stuff by himself. And it's like insane. Like, it's actually crazy. Yeah. [07:58] to be, you know, [07:59] I can't 30 like like not that 30 is old or anything but like when he was 19 he would get knocked down and come right back up and now like you know he needs a couple days Jacob I want to talk about this with him today because I'd like him to stop it's I'm telling it like if he's actually doing something just too dangerous for his body like you know for a reason yeah okay this isn't going to go over a while but I don't even think there should be any stunts at all in any movies [08:24] He's just like doing like taxes.

Yeah, exactly. Yes. Peter learns to do his taxes and Ned helps him and they go get ice cream as a little treat. And then they watch a movie and they that's that's what I want to see. And then that's how the movie ends. That would actually be very beautiful. I think. And they just put ice on some of their old injuries. Yeah. Yeah. Like especially on their knees. My knees are hurting. Oh, my goodness. Yeah. They put some ice on their knees and maybe they're not going to be able to do it.

[08:54] I mean, I don't know. They call, like, you know, they get food delivered and they just chill. Oh, my God. You know, my missus, this is so random, but she put me on to putting, like, heat pads on my lower back. Oh, my goodness. It's not random, babe. Let's talk about it. Heat on your lower back. I mean, I'm lying on a heating pad all day long. I could sleep in all day now. You want me to blow your mind? Right behind me. Yeah. I'm going to show you this.

[09:24] you [09:24] Oh, my God. You put this in the microwave? Oh, yes. Right, right, right. Oh, my goodness. And you can wrap it on, oh, I don't know, your shoulder or your lower back. It's incredible. [09:36] I am literally this is how I know, like, I'm so turned on by that. I genuinely want to buy one. Yeah. Oh, I'm going to send you one. Oh, thank you. Before we get to your question for Tom, just let's talk a little bit more about what's so great about what's so great about him.

Yeah. You know, I think, again, from the first time I met him, he's just been so he'd been so welcoming and so nice to me. And obviously, like he'd done a few things before I had and he was really willing to be there for me and support me. And there's a lot of times earlier in my career [10:06] what I was doing, um, just in general. Um, you know, I have like a whole team of people to help me through that stuff, but at the same time, I think just dealing with like the sort of, uh, actory part of it, I think he was always there to be supportive of me.

Um, and, [10:20] And I know him like as a person, like I just know he would never talk dirty behind my back. Yeah. He's just an amazing, like good person like that. And I don't want to flex too hard, but he just bought me this little rollie. I wanted to wear it for him, you know, because that's my boy for life. [10:42] And I hope he doesn't mind that I told everyone that. Well, he's very British, so he'll probably be a little embarrassed. Super embarrassed. [10:50] We can flash it a little bit.

Wow. That's a real friend. You know what? Not one of my friends has ever bought me a Rolex. I think this is your sign, Amy. You got to reassemble. You know, you got to like re-bunch them up. It's really making me feel like, do I even have friends? [11:03] That's what I, that's what I said. I was like, you know, I just, uh, this is also like another side piece to my story. I just, uh, had a, I had a bachelor party in Vegas and it was so fun. It was the greatest time ever.

And, um, [11:15] And it just like I showed everyone this watch and they're all like, oh, that's a great watch. And I'm like, yeah, one of my closest friends got it for me. So, you know. [11:29] Oh, man, Jacob, that's so awesome. He's truly just an amazing person. And like I can't tell you like the way he carries himself, I mean, just professionally and like, you know, [11:41] In his personal life, he just makes sure that everyone around him is comfortable. But he also doesn't take shit from anybody. He very stands on himself and for his people.

And I think I try to carry that with myself in my own personal life because he's really been a great role model to me. [12:00] And this is probably the most I've talked really great about him. Yeah. Well, because you probably give each other a lot of shit. You know, that's what friends do. I think we talk a lot more shit to each other than we do. Like, I do love him to death, though. Like, I know that he only ever shows me love. Oh, thank you so much for saying that.

And do you have a question? Do you think I should ask him today something he would want to talk about, a story or something that you think would be good? Oh, my gosh. [12:25] If he if he would want to, I think you should ask him about the Boiling Rock Part One. [12:30] Fantastic. I think that'll that'll really that'll put a smile on his face. The Boiling Rock Part One. Yes, that is that is definitely some Jacob and Tom inside stuff. [12:43] OK, perfect. And maybe he'll say no comment and that will be fine, too.

I can't see what it is. Yeah. Perfect. I mean, this is the kind of this is the kind of scoop we need. [12:54] Well, congratulations on your impending marriage. Oh, thank you so much. I appreciate it. Thank you. [13:00] heading into your 30s with like a tight lower back and a fancy watch and a new bride. It's pretty amazing. It's a pretty good way to get in. [13:13] It's been so nice talking to you. It's so great to meet you. Thank you again for your work. I really mean it that the relationship that you guys have, you know, it's especially for young men who are men and women who are watching it.

It's really important to show those kind of [13:30] you yeah thank you hope to see you soon i hope so jacob i hope so all right okay take care all right speak to you soon bye [13:37] Bye-bye. [14:07] slash hybrid to learn more. Maximum range based on EPA estimated combined fuel economy and a full tank of fuel. Actual mileage and range may vary. [14:18] Tom, I just want to start by saying I know you're British, so I will not compliment you that much. Okay, fantastic. Great start. We'll get to teasing pretty fast.

But you are probably the biggest movie star that we've had on Good Hang. You are my Tom Cruise. You are... [14:37] I think you are saving movies. Thank you. And I think you are an incredible, immense talent. Thank you very much. And I love your work. Oh, that's very sweet of you. Thank you. And I'm so happy that you wanted to... Let's drink. Let's drink after that. Ooh. [14:52] But I was so happy that you wanted to come on because you're like a huge part of our family's experience in movies.

I have two teenage boys. They are huge fans of your work, as am I. [15:06] I think the way you approach your work and the way you approach who you work with and how you work is really very, very special. Thank you. And then compliments done. Done. Yeah. Now criticism. Yes. So you grew up in Southwest London. You're five or six. You're short as fuck. Thank you, Amy. Well, you know, I'm a shorty, so I never even know how tall anybody is. I think everybody's tall. You're a Southwest London boy.

Yes. Yes. [15:35] And growing up with two artist parents, comedian dad. Yeah, my dad is a stand up. Yeah, my mom is a photographer. Okay. So what is your house like? [15:45] Like, what are you guys laughing at? Because I'm kind of obsessed with the fact that UK and US, like there are big, big, um, [15:53] things that we love that we don't know about each other's comedy. Right. It's interesting. I mean, my dad obviously being a standup, [16:02] What was so interesting as a kid is that I always thought he was just unemployed because he was always around.

Home all day. Like he would put us to bed. Yeah. And then he would go off and do his job. He was either a comedian or Batman. Like I had no idea what my dad did at night. Yeah. That's great. So it was just a lot of fun. And my dad was always really keen for us to all... [16:24] contribute to the family dinner as much as each other. You know, there's telling stories. How was your day at school? Like good was never a good enough answer. It was always like, well, tell me why your day was good or tell me why your day was bad.

And I think his showmanship really helped us as young kids to become – [16:41] you know, social. And I think it's really helped me in my life and my career, what I ended up doing. The tough thing about having a comedian as a parent, as I'm sure your kids will know, is that no one that you bring to the house is safe. Like any of my mates that come over when we were kids, my dad would just rinse them. And it was like, it was almost like he was using dinner as like a warm up to go out and do a show that night.

Oh, this is gonna, this is gonna hit home. [17:11] is that we had an amazing childhood and my parents are such wonderful people. I really admire both of them. You know, my mom in the way that she continued working, but was also like the most hands on mom. And then my dad, the same. My dad was, like I said, [17:26] He would only work when we were asleep. Yeah. So he was always there. He took us to school. He would take us out after school. There's four boys in your family.

There's four of us, yeah. You're the oldest. I'm the oldest. Probably not the most... [17:39] intelligent of the four of us. My brother Harry is pretty sharp. Harry's sharp. Is there any of the four that are introverted? I'd say Paddy is slightly introverted. Paddy is the youngest. [17:50] He's a really talented painter. Yeah. So he's really kind of got into this... [17:56] world of like sitting up in his bedroom and you're like what's paddy doing and then he comes downstairs with this canvas and it's it's amazing he actually worked on [18:04] Spider-Man 4.

[18:05] In the art department. Oh, that's cool. I'm curious about birth order because I'm the oldest as well. Okay. And being the oldest is like, there is a responsibility. Yes. It is. Just set an example. One of your brothers was worked on, like, was your assistant during one of the films? Yeah, Harry was my assistant. Yeah. For a long time, which was actually great. You know, when I hired him. [18:28] I was a little nervous about. Yeah. Asking my brother for a coffee and him being like, fuck off. You're a younger brother.

I'm chilling, like, what are you doing? I'm getting you a coffee. [18:42] But he came around? Yeah, he came around. He was great. He was super professional. And him and I now are running a production company together. Oh, that's great. And trying to sort of revitalize that mid-budget movie and, you know, really try and... [18:57] Put those movies back on the map. What is it like to be in a house with four boys? Wild. I mean, that's more a question for my poor mum. [19:05] I think when Paddy came along...

[19:08] there is a video somewhere of his birth video, and he comes out and his balls are so red. And I think you can hear my dad go, oh, for God's sake. [19:22] Also, I mean, your mom probably would deny this to the day she dies. But when you're having a fourth child and you've had three boys, maybe you're like, maybe this one would be a girl. [19:38] Listen, I want to just say that I love my brother. He's the best. He can take it. Bless him as the youngest. He is the butt of every joke.

I remember once we had this huge argument when we were kids, huge argument. And we were outside and sometimes our parents were like, go outside and you figure it out. The three of you don't fight. [20:01] but just get it off your chest. And then like a week later... [20:04] I said to my dad, I really got into air rifles for some reason. Oh, God. I was like, Dad, I really want an air rifle. And he was like... [20:12] Did you see that argument you had the other day? It was like, no, you can't have an air rifle.

But yeah, our house was carnage, pure carnage, but like in a good way. Like broken things. Like there is a feeling when you have a lot of boys where you have to just kind of say goodbye to nice things. I think so. Yeah. What I have come to realize, though. [20:32] Now that I have gotten older and moved out and all of my brothers have moved out, that my parents were really keen for us to be tidy. [20:40] Yeah. But since I've all we've all moved out, we have all realized that we were not the problem.

[20:45] It is my parents that were the problem. They were the ones. They were the ones that perhaps weren't. Are you still messy? Are you messy? [20:54] This is a bit of a tough one because I live on two sides of the world. Yes. We live in London and we live here in A. And in London, I am really keen to keep everything really tidy. But when you come to America, you just let it all go. I just I feel like I'm a guest when I'm here. Wow. You know what?

We don't appreciate that. I know. I know. I should maybe change my ways a little. The thought of you guys working it out in your house makes me feel like as brothers, [21:24] think about you as a young person because we we started to get to know you as a young person dancing in on the west end in billy elliott and like the way in which you had freedom to move felt like that just came from your house right yeah right my parents were always huge fans of dancing and all of us were sent to this kind of saturday school it was called nifty feet it was

[21:54] and we would do these shows every summer at the ballet school down the road. And my parents loved it. Like, it was such a fun time. And I remember, it's so funny how... [22:05] There are conversations that you have in your life that really shape you as a person. And I remember one dance class or something my parents would come and watch every single time. They were always there watching. [22:18] And I guess maybe I was having a bad day or something and I was marking all the routines. And on the way home, I thought that I had been really cool in the way that I had marked it.

It was like, oh, I don't care. I don't need to try that hard. Sure, sure, sure, sure. And I remember this conversation I had with my dad where he was talking about doing your best. And even if you're not feeling your best, you need to present as your best. And it's such a it's so interesting how. [22:41] You know, that simple little conversation I had in the back of his car has been so important to me as an adult and a professional. And I think about that conversation a lot. [22:50] It's so interesting you say that because that is like a hard lesson for people.

[22:54] kids of a certain age to learn that trying is cool. Totally. But it's a, it's, it's so vulnerable. Yeah. And to look like you care. Yeah. And it is our instinct to just, I did it as an adult too, like there were times in my career where I would be nervous. So I would just get kind of like, [23:12] sleepy and ambivalent yeah yeah yeah right you're like i don't really care about this like you know auditioning for the cohen brothers just being like yawning in the middle of it um because i was nervous like and it is a hard lesson to learn but that is what is the difference between i think like great performances as people show that they care totally and it's that idea that

[23:32] Failing it [23:34] If you tried, it's better than failing if you didn't try. Yeah, for sure. Because then you don't feel bad about it. At least I did my best. It just wasn't meant to be. Little... [23:45] Tom Holland dancing could watch it all day. [23:50] Janet Jackson. Yes. You love. I love Janet Jackson so, so much. Let's talk about Janet for a second. Oh, man. She's just electric. She's so talented. And then we grew up, like Janet grew up with Janet. Janet was first on TV as a little young actress on Good Times doing like very heavy material.

And then Janet, of course, Michael. [24:15] like, okay, Michael's sister, Janet. And then Janet was her own... [24:20] Just incredible artist who had huge hits and was an incredible dancer. To be perfectly honest with you, I really feel like if you asked me to list five people that have been integral in the success of my career, she would be one of them. Have you ever met her? I've never met her. No. But if I didn't. She's here. Yeah. Oh, my God. Janet, come on out. But if I didn't. [24:47] show that I had an understanding of like rhythm yeah my mom would have never got me into dancing and if I didn't get into dancing I would never have been spotted to audition for this show and if I didn't do that show I wouldn't have got an agent and you know it was never something that I sought out I never wanted to be an actor it was never like I sat down with my parents and was like I have this dream of being famous so if it hadn't been for a

[25:09] that song when I was a kid, I probably wouldn't be sat here today, which is kind of crazy. Isn't it crazy? I was talking to Billie Eilish was here and we were talking about how she was like, you know, getting ready to compete in all of her dancing competitions. Oh, I saw this clip. So good. And then like got hurt and then her song became, but I do feel like I have a strong feeling, [25:29] Love and passion for dancing. I feel like dancing is, first of all, it feels like magic when people can do it well.

It feels like something spiritual. But also, I love it just personally because it's very good for my nervous system. Yeah. Like it is this thing where if you can shake it out and move, you can calm yourself or whatever. It is this. [25:50] Really... [25:51] primal thing that I think opens the door to all different types of creativity. Totally agree. So what is your relationship to dancing right now? How often do you dance? Where do you dance? It comes at a very interesting time because last week I did my first dance rehearsal for the Fred Astaire movie that we're doing in next year.

It's funny. Like I... [26:16] I don't find myself getting that nervous anymore for things, you know, because you do it so often and it becomes second nature and it feels like another day at the office. [26:26] I went to Pineapple Dance Studios, which is where I trained as a kid when we were doing Billy Elliot. I was with the director of the movie and the choreographer of the movie. Wow. And I was petrified because I'd been telling this guy, this director, Paul King, I said, don't worry, bro. Like, I can dance.

Babe, I'm not one of those actors. Yeah, yeah. Like, I'm a dancer dancer. Yeah, I was on the West End. Okay. Right. And. [26:49] We get there and it's a... [26:51] you know, a bare room with a hardwood floor. I've got tap shoes on. First time I've worn tap shoes in 15 years. Wow. And immediately I'm like, wow, my feet feel like shit in his shoes. Yeah, these hurt. Yeah. And he kind of was a little bit like, [27:05] Okay. Okay. Do your thing. Show me what you got. And I, I went over to the computer and I googled the, the Billy Elliot music and was like, I'm either going to do something amazing here or I'm really going to shoot myself in the foot.

Yeah. And I played the song. And what was so amazing is how it really does live in you, you know, like the music started and then it all started coming back and I could see the lights, I could see the audience. Yeah. [27:31] And without even having to think of what the first step was, it just happened naturally. Now, if I did the dance like I did today, [27:39] Last week in front of my Billy Elliot choreographers when I was a kid, they probably would have buried me. Yeah. Because it was horrendous.

They'd have a lot of. Yeah, they would have been really upset. But it was really, it was really exciting. And I've been very nervous about the idea of making that film just because. [27:55] you know, it's going to be a huge undertaking from a prep point of view. And yeah, it's also a big risk. I think, you know, it's a big movie. We're so ready for it. I'm really excited. But after that rehearsal, I'm really excited. [28:06] Any fears I had or any questions of like, should I be making this movie completely left me?

[28:12] the room because I think my biggest regret in my career so far [28:16] is that when I finished that show, I quit dancing. Yeah. And I just, you know, would dance in a club or something like that, but wouldn't go and take class. Yeah. And the thing I love most about my job is that, [28:26] you can book a film and learn all of these amazing skills from the best people in the business. And to be able to do that again and pick up dancing from square one and try to get back into it, I think is going to be so fulfilling.

It's so cool. I mean, like you, you, [28:42] You were on the West End at how old? How old were you when you were in Billy Elliot? I started when I was 11. Wow. And I finished when I was 13. [28:50] It was a riot. [28:51] I mean, I've said this to many people who do theater and are, you know, in a long run, like to have the hardest part of your day be at the end of your day is really hard. You know, you're just always prepping for the end of your day.

Yeah, totally. Do you feel like in many ways that was the hardest you ever worked was doing that show? [29:21] 11, 12 and 13. Yeah, I think so, really. You know, it was tough. But, you know, I think there was also there was four of us. There were four Billies at any one time. Yeah. And you would share the role. So you would do Monday night. Someone would do Tuesday night. Right. You would do standbys. So you would be backstage backstage. [29:36] in case a Billy got injured and you would have to rush on.

I remember one night I had the night off. I was playing golf with my dad and we got a phone call saying, oh, Ollie's come off the show. Brad's going on. Can you come in to be on standby? Because it had happened in like the first 20 minutes of the show. And then by the time I got to the theater, Brad had then hurt himself. So I had to go on. And someone actually wrote a letter into the theater and was like, wouldn't it be easier and less confusing to just use the same kid

[30:06] constantly changing them out. [30:09] But no, I don't know if it's the hardest I've ever worked. [30:13] I think the Odyssey, the most recent film I did, I mean, that was – [30:17] You know, one of the toughest jobs I've ever had. I cannot wait to talk to you about it. First of all, can't believe I'm not in the Odyssey because everyone else is. [30:26] Christopher, Techeville, Techeville. [30:31] I mean, but I cannot. Also, all I've heard is how hard it is. And you do hard things in your movies.

Okay. [30:47] summer that you are in. I just want to talk about the impossible for a second. Okay. Because for people that haven't seen it, [30:56] don't watch it it's too it's intense it's so intense and it's so sad it's so good it's it's heartbreaking you are incredible in that movie your performance is incredible naomi you and mcgregor the the younger children who play your brothers are incredible yeah it is for anyone who the moment when you reunite is like you know i know that i'm depressed when that comes up on my tiktok like i know that i'm your algorithm is taking you through your words sometimes my kids [31:26] be like, Mom, what's going on?

And it'll be like, oh, I got to watch the scene again. I started crying explaining the scene to Jenna this morning. I was like, and then they fight each other. But Tom, that movie, that movie is, what was it? What do you remember about the experience of making that movie as a young person? I think for me, just an acting masterclass from Naomi Watts and just getting to be on [31:56] I'm... [31:57] deliver, you know, [31:59] a sort of masterful performance while also taking me under her wing and teaching me everything that I knew and know about cinema.

Yeah. Was it your first feature that you had done? Yeah, it was my first film. So I had left Billy. I did my first audition for the film while I was in the show. Wow. I think I had the summer off after I finished the show and then went straight in to make that film. So I had no idea what I was doing. Wow. And I can imagine as, you know, an actress that was [32:29] describe as the hardest role she's ever played to have to also teach a young kid how to do it she showed such patience and she was so caring and kind and i would make mistakes because you know what it's like yeah where do i go where's my mark why is there a big red sausage on the floor like what is that about right [32:47] She was so sweet and kind.

And even if we were in emotional scenes, she could just snap right out of it and say, you're blocking me from you're standing in front of the camera. I would move. She would get right back into it. So she just was an absolute powerhouse. And she had a great work ethic. She was so kind and courteous to the crew. So for me, starting my career in this business, it could not have been a better blueprint. [33:12] for how to behave and how to work. You talked about in Spider-Man, in Odyssey, in all of the stuff you've done, you talk about people that you've met who you've learned a lot from, like mentors in some way.

Totally. I think my favorite thing about being an actor is that, [33:30] You are the only person when the camera calls cut. [33:34] who is allowed to be in the middle of the room and do absolutely nothing. Right. You can be in the middle of that kind of ecosystem and you have nothing to do. You're just waiting for everyone to reset. So you have the perfect vantage point to just watch people work and see how they do it and see how they do it differently and see how directors communicate with actors or crew.

See how actors take notes. I love that. [33:58] listening to a director give an actor a note and go, I can't wait to see how you interpret that note. And sometimes you're like, wow, I wouldn't have done it like that. But that is actually really interesting. So for me – [34:10] It's less about asking people for... [34:13] advice. And it's more just sitting back and watching them work. I mean, I think that is the thing is that people are always watching how people behave in the world. Totally. And what you say means nothing if it's different than your behavior.

Like you just watch how people behave. Exactly. And you know what it's like on a film set? You're there for five months. You're up at four in the morning. Like you get to see every shade of a person's personality. Yeah. So seeing someone like Matt Damon, for example, on the Odyssey, I have never seen anyone work as hard [34:43] as kind and gracious as he was at the beginning of the day, at the end of the day, and on the toughest days. So it was awesome for me to see someone as experienced as himself.

[34:53] Also just be the nicest guy and treat it as if this was his first movie. Yeah, that's awesome. [35:04] you go from the impossible to spider-man and somehow, and you know, you've talked about it a lot. The 1500 people auditioned for that role, getting that part. Um, it's just, it's just like winning a 10 year lottery and it's just changed to completely changed your life. And also it's someone telling you like, Hey, the next 10 years of your life are going to be this, like it's heavy and exciting all at the same time.

It's, [35:32] It was a really weird day, the day that I found out that I got the part, because it's all I had ever wanted. I remember watching Andrew's movies in the cinema. Yeah. Yeah. [35:42] I just thinking to myself, like, oh, wow. Like, imagine if I got an opportunity like that to play that character. Like, that would be. But even then you were like, I could do that. I don't know if I knew that I could do it. It was more just this, like, hunger of I would love to play that role one day.

Mm-hmm. [35:59] I then spent the next like five years thinking about it, thinking about it. I found out that they were they were auditioning for it. I got myself in there and. [36:08] I spent about six, seven months auditioning for the film. And all I could think about was getting that job. And then the day that I got it and I found out, it was like, [36:18] Through the roof excitement and then immediate excitement. [36:21] Like, oh, but now I have to actually do it. Oh, a nightmare. Dread. Why didn't I want this?

Like, this is a nightmare. What? Like, you're holding the hot potato, and you're like, who can I give this to? Totally. And, like, what's been crazy is doing this fourth film now, Spider-Man Brand New Day, [36:38] I felt very similar to the way I did on my first film, which was... [36:43] Excitement, fear, fear. [36:46] you know, trying to find this sense of confidence that I could do this because the third movie was so successful and sharing the screen with Toby and Andrew felt like the perfect send off for all of us.

So when I walked on set for the first time, there was a feeling of like, is this the right thing for us to be doing right now? Like, should we be making this movie? And then when Destin came into the fold and started the director, it all of a sudden felt like, oh, this is exactly what we've [37:16] it feels different. It feels new and unique. It feels more mature. [37:21] And [37:22] I love John Watts, the guy that directed the first three, and I think tonally he did such a good job of making these films feel...

[37:29] like the experience of a teenager. Yeah. Well, I love what you guys are getting into, which is this idea of if I had to relearn why I love people. Mm-hmm. [37:40] Like that thing of if I had to if I had to like do it all over again, would I choose the people in my life? Like it's a deep, cool metaphor for what it's like to get older, like to grow up, to look at your life. Like it's very cool. And and and also like what what is memory? Like what are we supposed to remember?

What are we supposed to let go of? Like it's very, very cool territory. [38:10] is the message. Yeah. You know, it's a superhero movie at the end of the day. Tom Rossman, the studio head, kind of describes it as a superhuman movie because I think the message is so important for young people. In this digital age, it's so easy to sit at home of an evening and just scroll through your phone and just turn your mind to mush and to forget about how important socializing is. Well, my phone is my best friend, so I don't talk about it.

Listen, tell me about it. I had like a whole bunch of work I was supposed to do on the plane yesterday. [38:40] growing up did you care about spider-man because you and dressed up as oh yeah yeah because i have boys who loved spider-man too and and it's really fascinating to watch how that character gets into the psyche of girls and boys um why do you think they love why did you as a young kid i think it's because he's always asking himself that question of who am i yeah you know because he doesn't know [39:10] of [39:12] failing or trying to talk to the crush that you have at school and it doesn't go well or being behind on homework and it's it's just that youthful experience of finding out who you are as a person yeah um and what i love about this film is that the whole premise of the movie is that he's neglecting who he is he is kind of trying his best to suppress his trauma and just focus on

[39:42] that we love. So it's a really nice little balancing act. [39:46] Um, [39:47] And I also think if you ask any young kid what their favorite color is, it's going to be red or blue. And he has both of those. He's got them both. He has both of those. He's got both, babe. Yeah. And he also does that thing where he shoots from his fingers. But it's not this kind of shoot. That is very important distinction. Because it is a totally different distinction. I'm probably doing it wrong. That's close enough.

Close enough. Yeah. [40:17] feels like a way to like, like expel energy. Yeah. Like, and the other thing I'll just say is that because of course, because you're a dancer, the way you moved as that character, because Spider-Man moves so well, [40:28] When you, and you've talked about this, which I love is like, you like to get into characters physically first. Like that's how you kind of walk around the space with them. And yeah, [40:39] I... [40:39] I just want to, before we move off of the dancing part, I just want to say that I think there's a deeper reason why your viral moment, Dancing to Umbrella, was so successful.

[40:52] I have to bring it up. I'm sorry. I've watched it 5,000 times. I get more compliments for that dance than any piece of work I have ever done. Yeah, I've probably watched it more than most movies. [41:09] fun and great. And like, you guys are having such a good time together, but I'm, [41:13] It's a person who is, dare I say, comfortable with their feminine side. Oh, yeah, totally. Yeah. [41:22] Well, oh, yeah, totally. Yeah. But that's not always the case with men in general. And I mean, you've you've talked about it, like being a young boy doing ballet, being like a person who's had to like figure out like what is what is typically male?

What is typically female? Like what comes from all that? [41:52] way. Now, I'm not like, I know that wasn't your intention, maybe, but I just hope you know that it opened up a lot of feelings. I will say that at one point in the dress rehearsal, the lady was like, do you think we could cut the shorts a little bit? I was like, no, you're like, okay, I'm doing enough. I'm doing enough for the cause. This is still years ahead of its time. [42:22] all the time like this is really fun and funny and goofy or and then has the response been confusing to you or did you what's your memory of doing that I was I was really excited about it yeah I was nervous at the prospect of doing a live show sure and doing the dance and messing up the choreography or something like that but it's funny it never really crossed my mind I'm

[42:45] how it would be received. I just thought, oh, what a fun idea. Like we'll do this kind of singing in the rain thing. And you felt the energy in the room literally deflate. Like I started doing the thing in the suit and there's like, you know, everyone in that audience is like 19 years old. And they're like, okay. What on earth is he doing? Right. And I just knew in my body, I was like, when I take this suit off, you are going to go nuts. And I remember like, I had to put lipstick [43:15] I had to rip the suit off behind them, which I'm always sad I didn't do that on camera 'cause it was so fun just having a rip away suit.

[43:23] They probably were, they wanted to like cover just in case you didn't get it right. Just in case, you know, there was. Little did they know they were working with a professional. Exactly. Yeah. A professional. And that dance is a great example of what your dad said in the car, which is like, go for it, babe. If you're going to do it, give it 100%. Yes. Yeah. It's such a thrilling performance. Thank you so much. Thank you. It is. Am I wrong? That's why I'm so excited about this Fred Astaire thing.

[43:53] how kind of scary it is and how much... [43:57] If I don't, [43:58] commit to it 100%, it won't work. And I kind of love the idea of that. There's like a million different ways in which you can put your art out into the world, right? Everybody gets to put it out however they want. But... [44:10] You know, there's just there's there's few representations of men that feel like they're like open to. [44:20] experiences in that way. Am I making any sense? Yeah, no, totally. Yeah. Okay. So save us.

Yeah. I will do my best. Tom, please. But I want to ask you one question. Don't, [44:30] Or I want to ask a favor of you. Don't do any more stunts. Dude. Oh, my word. No more stunts. I know. [44:38] In movies, period. Yeah. But I do feel like stunts are, well, I mean, you just have to be, when you're doing a stunt, what do you do with your body? Like, what are some tricks? Just let it happen. Like, just grip it and rip it, you know? Like, more often than not, you're on a wire, and there's another guy on the end with a button, and you always want to make sure you say hello to him and keep him sweet.

[45:08] you don't want him to dial it up and just fire you off into oblivion. But truth be told, [45:14] I have an amazing team of stunt players. [45:17] performers that I work with. And, you know, the luxury of the Spider-Man suit is that when one of us is in it, we're very interchangeable. And as it is a character that requires like a really elite level of physicality, those guys are, you know, ex Cirque du Soleil performers, ex British gymnasts, you know, world champions and stuff like that. So as the movies have gone on, my appetite to do everything has definitely dwindled because they do a better job.

Like I can [45:47] Yeah. So it's like if you want it to be really special, sometimes you have to take your ego out of the room and just let them handle the tough stuff. And you got to protect the moneymaker. You've got to protect the moneymaker. I mean, come on, babe. We can't we can't mess with that face. No, but I do love it. And it is fun. The rush is really great when you do something. [46:05] that is really scary and it goes really well yeah it is a great feeling yeah i bet and it does feel like the closest to being an athlete yeah totally yeah yeah absolutely and the team's like you did it yeah well done let's go yeah exactly because sometimes acting doesn't feel that way yeah it's not especially on set because there's you know whenever the if the crew give you a round of applause it feels so like they're just like we want to go home like get on with it yeah well done [46:35] Yeah.

Badass. Yeah. Um, [46:38] Uh, [46:39] The last thing I'll say about Spider-Man is... [46:41] Jacob, your relationship with Jacob is really, really cool. Yeah, he's the best. He and I mean, I love that you guys are, you know, real friends in real life and met at a young age and kind of grew up together doing the films together. And also it just like shows like Ned and Peter's relationship, I think, is an example of a great male friendship. [47:03] Yeah. [47:04] We spoke to him before this podcast. Oh, no way.

Oh, no. Yes. We got we spoke. He talked a little bit about you and also he gave us a question to ask and he was a total delight. He flashed his his Rolex. Oh, really? He showed you. Nice. Nice. But he wanted me to ask you a question. He wants me and you do it. Feel free to pass if you want, [47:34] So, I don't know. He wants me to ask you about the Boiling Rock Part 1. Oh, wow. The Boiling Rock. Is this worth talking about? [47:47] You can tell us off the air.

I think I should probably tell you off the air. I knew it. But now it's going to sound like we're smoking crack or something. No. [47:59] No, it's such a typical boy thing. [48:04] You would want to talk about it. He was like the boiling rock part one. I was like, he's not going to want to talk about it. Oh, man. Yeah, no, we'll chat about that. Okay, we'll chat about that later. But tell me what you love about Jacob. [48:15] I just love his... Oh, man, I'm taking that Rolex back.

[48:25] I just love his... I love who he is as a person. Yeah. I love his soul. I love his energy. I love... [48:32] His enthusiasm, he, you know... [48:36] What's been so amazing for the two of us is that, [48:39] Our lives changed on the same day together. Yeah. And we've been through this whole journey together. And I've loved every minute of it. All of John's movies, making those and now working with Destin. And sharing that with someone that has been there since the beginning is really special. Yeah. He's also just one of my best mates.

Like, if I haven't seen him for six months, when I link up with him, it's as if no time has passed. [49:09] does. I think that he is the only person that could get those kinds of laughs. And especially in this movie, I think he's really dialed up the humor in an excellent way. And I just love him. I mean, he feels like he's like, that character is like a... [49:26] a stand-in for the fan, almost. You know, like the audience. And I think that was John Watts' kind of goal, was to create a movie...

[49:35] that felt like all of us were experiencing what it's like to be Spider-Man. But me and him, we just did an escape room together. [49:44] And everyone's just like, climb the walls, man. We were in A. and I texted him and I was like, are you here? And he said, yes. And I was like, I booked this escape room, bro, if you want to come. And we went, one of the producers from the movie came, and him and I were useless. Really? Useless, but we're both leaders, which is a recipe for disaster.

That's right. [50:05] A lot of like, Jacob, let me do it. Let me do it. Yeah. What are we doing here? And then the time is ticking down. Yeah. Yeah. It was no good. But I love him to death. And I really, he will be a friend for life. And he is such a wonderful person. And I couldn't be more grateful to have done this with him. Yeah. Well, he says the same about you. And the other big, gigantic movie coming out this summer that you're going to start talking about and probably be doing press now for the next 5,000 years.

Yes. Is The Odyssey. Yeah. Yeah. [50:33] Um, which, uh, it looks incredible. I, um, I, [50:39] Who do you play in it? I play Telemachus. Okay. When I first sat down with Chris, I said, I'm so excited to play Telemachus. Yeah, sure. I'm heavily dyslexic, which is one of the reasons why, and I'd love to talk to you today about it, actually, is why I've never done SNL.