Tom Holland admits some past films are 'sh**', says press is easy when you're proud
Synopsis
Tom Holland told the Dish Podcast what most stars never admit: he has sat through press tours privately thinking audiences 'shouldn't' watch the film he was selling. The candid moment, shared alongside praise for Anne Hathaway's professionalism, offers a rare unscripted glimpse into the realities of Hollywood promotion — and signals how differently Holland feels about his current slate.
Key Takeaways
Tom Holland admitted on the Dish Podcast that some of his past films were, in his own words, 'sh**' — and that he privately felt audiences should not watch them.
He described the current press tour for 'The Odyssey' and 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' as 'a bit of a victory lap', saying he is 'super proud' of both films.
Holland said promoting films he believes in is 'really easy' because he is 'not lying to anyone' when recommending them.
He credited co-star Anne Hathaway as 'such a pro', calling their joint press sessions 'an awesome learning experience'.
Hollywood actor Tom Holland has candidly admitted that some of his earlier films were not worth watching — and that he privately knew it even while promoting them. The Spider-Man star is currently on a press tour for two upcoming projects: 'The Odyssey' and 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day', and says this time around feels markedly different.
What Holland Said on the Podcast
Speaking on the Dish Podcast with hosts Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett, Holland reflected on the difference between promoting films he believes in versus those he did not. 'I'm absolutely loving it. When you're doing press for movies you're really proud of, it's really easy because when they ask you questions about why should people go and watch this movie, you're not lying to anyone. You really feel like people should go see it,' he said.
He then offered a strikingly honest admission about past experiences: 'I've had experiences before when people say, "Why should you see this movie?" And in the back of your mind, you're like, "You shouldn't, because it's sh**".' The remark drew attention for its rare candour from a major franchise star.
A 'Victory Lap' for Two Films He Believes In
Holland was emphatic that both current projects represent a high point in his career. 'It's felt really like a bit of a victory lap, to be honest. I've really enjoyed it. I'm super proud of both of the films,' he said. The contrast with his earlier remarks underscored how personally invested he is in 'The Odyssey' and 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'.
Learning from Anne Hathaway
Holland also revealed an unexpected professional highlight from the press tour — working alongside 'The Odyssey' co-star Anne Hathaway. 'I've had the pleasure of sitting down with Anne Hathaway for the last three days and doing press with her. For me, that's been an awesome learning experience. She's such a pro,' he said. The admission points to a self-aware side of Holland that has become a recurring theme in his public persona.
Context and What It Signals
Holland's remarks are notable in an industry where stars routinely speak in promotional superlatives. His willingness to retrospectively criticise his own filmography — without naming specific titles — cuts against the grain of standard studio press strategy. Notably, this comes at a career juncture where Holland is balancing a major franchise return with a prestige literary adaptation, suggesting a deliberate pivot in the kinds of projects he is choosing.
Point of View
He implicitly repositions his brand around the two films he is currently selling — a subtle but effective press move. The candour feels genuine, but it also does real promotional work: it signals to audiences that his enthusiasm for 'The Odyssey' and 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is not routine studio cheerleading. In an era of algorithmically polished celebrity interviews, unscripted honesty — even when mildly profane — travels further than any prepared soundbite.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Tom Holland say about his past films?
Tom Holland admitted on the Dish Podcast that some of his earlier films were, in his words, 'sh**', and that he privately felt audiences should not bother watching them during press tours. He did not name any specific titles.
Which films is Tom Holland currently promoting?
Holland is on a press tour for two films: 'The Odyssey', a literary adaptation, and 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day', the latest entry in the Spider-Man franchise. He has described both as projects he is 'super proud of'.
Who did Tom Holland say he learned from on the press tour?
Holland said he learned from co-star Anne Hathaway, with whom he spent three days doing press for 'The Odyssey'. He called her 'such a pro' and described the experience as an 'awesome learning experience'.
Where did Tom Holland make these comments?
The remarks were made on the Dish Podcast, hosted by Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett, during a conversation about Holland's current press tour.
Why are Tom Holland's comments considered unusual for a Hollywood star?
It is rare for a major franchise actor to publicly admit — even retrospectively — that some of their films were not worth watching. Most stars maintain promotional positivity regardless of personal views, making Holland's candour a notable departure from industry norms.
