Tom Holland is promoting his next Marvel chapter, but he is also talking openly about what comes after his run as Peter Parker. The actor, set to return in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, said he would welcome a mentor role when a new web-slinger eventually takes over. That idea mirrors the support he received early in his own Marvel journey. According to Entertainment Weekly, Holland did not stop at the big-picture answer. He also named the young performer he believes could step into the role one day.
Tom Holland Names Owen Cooper for the Role
When asked who should succeed him, Holland pointed to 16-year-old actor Owen Cooper. "Owen Cooper would be awesome," Holland told Esquire. He added, "Obviously he’s super-talented and the talk of the town right now." The endorsement lands at a moment when Cooper’s profile is rising fast across film and streaming. Holland has said before that he wants to help guide the next generation of Spider-heroes, whether that means a new Peter Parker or a different character taking the spotlight in a future Marvel story.
Owen Cooper Built Momentum With Adolescence
Cooper broke through with Netflix’s Adolescence, his first screen acting role. The performance quickly turned him into one of the youngest major award winners in recent memory, including an Emmy win for best actor in a limited or anthology series at age 15. He later appeared as young Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights and is next set for Cry to Heaven, Tom Ford’s adaptation of Anne Rice’s 1982 novel. Holland’s praise adds another major co-sign as Cooper moves from streaming breakout to serious young film talent.
The Spider-Man Dream Started With Holland
There is an extra layer to Holland’s pick. Cooper previously said Holland helped inspire him to pursue acting after watching The Impossible. He has also made no secret of wanting to play Spider-Man himself. "I want to play Spider-Man," Cooper confessed in an earlier interview, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. That comment fueled online speculation that Marvel might already be eyeing him for the part. For now, though, the actor’s wish remains just that: a wish, not a casting update.
Holland Sees a Mentor Future in Marvel
Holland’s comments suggest he is not eager to cut ties with Marvel when his time in the suit ends. He has framed the next phase less as an exit and more as a handoff. He has said he would like to support whoever comes next in the same way Robert Downey Jr. supported him during his first trilogy. That could mean helping launch a new lead tied to Peter Parker, Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, or another corner of the Spider-Verse. For now, Holland still has more story left before that baton pass begins.
