Tom Holland said Wednesday that he and Jon Bernthal helped each other prepare their audition tapes for the role of Spider-Man [1].
The revelation provides a rare glimpse into the collaborative nature of high-stakes casting for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where actors often compete for the same limited roles.
Speaking from the studio of Late Night with Seth Meyers in New York City, Holland said the process was a joint effort [2]. He said the two actors shared tips and feedback to improve their individual performances [3]. "We were both leaning on each other for the Spider‑Man tape – it was a real team effort," Holland said [4].
Bernthal, who also auditioned for the role, said the tapes were created approximately seven to eight years ago [5]. While he acknowledged the support system, he maintained a lighthearted distance from Holland's eventual success. "I gave Tom a few pointers, but I’m not taking full responsibility for his audition," Bernthal said [6].
Despite the early collaboration, Bernthal said there was a long-term dynamic between the two performers. He referred to a 13-year rivalry that has persisted since those initial auditions [7]. "It’s funny looking back at that 13‑year rivalry we’ve had since those early auditions," Bernthal said [8].
The accounts of their relationship vary across reports. Some sources emphasize the mutual support and the way the actors leaned on one another during the process [4]. Other reports suggest the two maintained a long-running rivalry, implying a more competitive environment than a collaborative one [9].
Holland's appearance on the program highlighted the personal connections formed during the casting process of one of the world's most successful film franchises. The two actors have since both become established fixtures within the MCU, though in very different roles.
“"We were both leaning on each other for the Spider‑Man tape – it was a real team effort."”
The interaction between Holland and Bernthal illustrates the duality of the entertainment industry, where professional rivalry and personal mentorship often coexist. While the casting of a major franchise like Spider-Man is an intensely competitive process, the willingness of these actors to share pointers suggests that peer-to-peer support can occur even among direct competitors for the same role.
