Tom Holland [1] is about to become a household name. The up-and-coming star has been cast as Spider-Man [2] in Marvel and Sony's reboot, beating out scores of actors who also auditioned [3]. You may not recall hearing his name before today, but before the 19-year-old from Kingston upon Thames takes on the web-slinging role, there are a few things you should know about him. Take a look here!
You've seen him before.
Holland's first major film role was in 2012's The Impossible, in which he played Naomi Watts [4] and Ewan McGregor [5]'s son. He then starred opposite Saoirse Ronan in How I Live Now before going on to act in the British miniseries Wolf Hall. Did I mention his stint in the title role of Billy Elliot the Musical? He's clearly a gentleman of many talents.
He's been practicing for stunts for years.
Based on his many Instagrams, Holland specializes in backflips. You can check out his profile [6] to see him bounce around in slow motion. The guy is clearly ready to take on Spider-Man's famous agility.
Spider-Man isn't his only upcoming movie.
Though they don't have official release dates, Holland has roles in the dramas Backcountry, costarring Suicide Squad [7]'s Joel Kinnaman, and Pilgrimage. Meanwhile, you'll see him in December when he appears opposite Chris Hemsworth in Ron Howard's epic whale movie, In the Heart of the Sea [8].
He has an adorable dog named Tessa.
Seriously, look at that mug.
He already has a fan club.
Here's Holland with the aforementioned Tessa in a fan-made drawing.
And a girlfriend!
Don't get any ideas; the young star has been dating student Elle Lotherington for over two years. She's basically the Mary Jane Watson to his Peter Parker.