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Tom Holland has portrayed Peter Parker since he swung into action, quite literally, back in 2016’s Civil War. Premiering as Spider-Man in the box-office smash alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, this film marked the actor’s first outing – a testing grounds of sorts – as the iconic Marvel Hero.

Tom Holland | Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Luckily, Tom Holland’s performance as Peter Parker has received widespread adulation. From Homecoming to Avengers: Infinity War, the father-son dynamic between Parker and Stark oozes from the silver screen, and fans it eat up along with each handful of popcorn. Not to mention, with a background in dance and gymnastics to boot, the acrobatic side of the Spidey gig comes quite naturally. When it comes to excelling in the biz, it looks like Holland has found his niche.

Though Holland’s Parker may rival the likes of Tobey Maguire’s famed turn, the 23-year-old actor may not wish to play Spider-Man for much longer. During an interview with Zendaya, back in 2017, Holland spoke about his career trajectory and, given the actor’s aspirations, Peter Parker may no longer align with his creative wishes.

The ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home” star does not want to be “stuck to one character” 

During an interview with Zendaya, Tom Holland discussed his plans for the future. Though directing may lie in the distant future, varying his acting portfolio seems to exist as the current primary concern. He stated:

“The 20-year goal is to be a film director. The 15-year goal is to win an Oscar. The five-year goal is to just keep enjoying myself. I really am having the time of my life. But as far as my future goes, I want to stretch myself as an actor in a way that Jake Gyllenhaal, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Meryl Streep do. I don’t want to be stuck to one character. I think that’s what can happen when you take on a superhero movie. So every conversation I have with my agent is, “What have you got for me? What’s next? Who can I play?”

Interview Magazine 

While Tom Holland was “having the time of” his life back in 2017, can the same still be said today? Is he as equally thrilled playing Peter Parker over two years later, or is it time for the actor to break away from the superhero mold he only further cements each time he puts on the suit?

When naming the actors he aspires to emulate, he lists Jake Gyllenhaal, Meryl Streep, and Leonardo DiCaprio. What do these three actors have in common? They’ve never done a multiple film franchise? 

Gyllenhaal is known for a varied portfolio, featuring smaller, niche films like Velvet Buzzsaw,  yet also blockbusters including Southpaw and Nightcrawler. Meryl Streep will play a drug-addicted widow in one role and a singing witch in another, never afraid to veer into untraveled territories. And, as for DiCaprio, The Revenant, Catch Me If You Can, and The Titanic speak for themselves. 

Holland aspires to be associated with actors who take risks and steer clear of typecasting – those who jump from comedies to dramas and musicals, and back again. If he keeps playing Peter Parker, he keeps tightening the rope binding him to the superhero realm. 

What’s next for Tom Holland following ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home?’ 

Tom Holland’s contract with Marvel includes one more role; meaning, we will probably see him don the Spidey suit once more before he waves goodbye to his career-catalyzing turn as Peter Parker. Further, we will likely see him as Spidey in a mash-up; saving his star power for one more team film would be wise on Marvel’s part.

Tom Holland is currently set to star in Cherry, The Voyage of Dr. Dolittle, The Devil All the Time, Chaos Walking, Spies in Disguise, and more. While he will be working with RDJ and the Russo Brothers on a handful of his future films, hopefully, his turns in these various standalone movies will pique the interest of all sorts of casting directors in Hollywood. 

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