We already knew Tom Holland was a great, fun dude, but hearing him champion the underrepresented just solidifies his lovable nature. He seems to have a solid grasp of how to treat others respectfully and frequently demonstrates a level of class foreign to many Hollywood figures. I mean, he still spoils MCU secrets more often than most of his co-stars, but he's a good look for Marvel. They're going to keep him. Add his recent comments about a potentially gay Spider-Man and you've got a guy with societal progress on the brain.
Tom Holland has played Peter Parker/Spider-Man since 2016's Captain America: Civil War. Since then, he's proved himself a competent Spider-Man and invaluable addition to a franchise that so desperately needed him. He fits in perfectly with the MCU's tone, energy, and overall vibe. They couldn't have nabbed a better actor.
In an interview with The Sunday Times (via HuffPost), Tom Holland answered a theoretical question on Peter Parker's sexuality, saying "of course" he'd be on board with Spider-Man identifying as gay if that was the future direction of the Marvel Comics character. That doesn't seem to be the case for his character in the Spider-Man films, but he added these thoughts on future representation in the MCU:
I can’t talk about the future of the character because honestly I don’t know and it’s out of my hands. But I do know a lot about the future of Marvel, and they are going to be representing lots of different people in the next few years. The world isn’t as simple as a straight white guy. It doesn’t end there, and these films need to represent more than one type of person.
I agree. Popular culture should celebrate diversity and the cultures and perspectives that acknowledging differences inevitably brings. That's likely one of the reasons he wants Ironheart to join the MCU. Maybe through an interdimensional tear? She's a damn cool character and having her step in as a new iron-clad hero in the 616 universe would be just as okay as the possibility that a more seasoned version of her could slip through that tear.
Marvel is starting to branch out and introduce new characters, many of which are so much fun and have become integral parts of the MCU. We're approaching a new era of powerful new heroes who break convention. Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has talked about emphasizing diversity moving forward, with Black Panther as just the beginning. The MCU also introduced its first openly gay character of the MCU via a cameo in Avengers: Endgame, with more prominent roles ahead.
You can catch Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Far From Home, now playing in theaters everywhere and getting raves from critics and fans.
