When actor Tom Holland first joined the MCU in 2016, it shook the entire fanbase. It was the first time fans were introduced to MCU’s new Spider-Man and the dynamic we saw between Tom Holland’s Peter Parker and Robert Downey Jr’s Tony Stark was quite heartwarming. They had their heartbreaking moments on-screen and cheerful moments off-screen. Even though Holland joined MCU roughly 8 years after Downey Jr., he still managed to become Downey Jr.’s closest companion.
Holland once revealed that Downey Jr. gave him something valuable that he got from the Iron Man franchise. Technically, the gift was for Holland’s brother, Paddy Holland, but it is something that is really special for Holland.
Robert Downey Jr. gave Tom Holland a special gift
Undoubtedly, one of the best things that came out of actor Tom Holland‘s MCU journey was his bond with fellow actor Robert Downey Jr. Just like their characters in the movies, the two have that mentor-mentee dynamic in real life as well. In December 2021, Holland appeared on First We Feast’s Hot Ones series and talked about a special gift he got from Downey Jr.,
“My favorite souvenir was actually given to me, well actually to my little brother Paddy, when Black Panther was coming out. Robert Downey Jr. was making Doctor Doolittle in London and he was staying down the road from where I live. He invited us to a screening of Black Panther at his house. Paddy comes running into the room, and he’s holding the original Iron Man helmet, and Downey had given it to him as a gift. That’s a really special one for me because I was lucky enough to join the MCU but I joined it very late and that souvenir was from the original film.”
This incident took place in 2018, roughly 2 years after Holland made his MCU debut as Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War (2016).
Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Holland are great friends
Their on-screen bond is remarkable mainly because their off-screen friendship is too strong. On multiple occasions, Holland has called Downey Jr. his mentor, which can be reflected in their on-screen performances as Peter Parker and Tony Stark as well.
Downey Jr.’s time as Tony Stark has officially ended, so Holland’s Spider-Man now must navigate without his guidance. Robert Downey Jr. first played the iconic role in 2008’s Iron Man, laying down the foundation of the MCU we have today. He has made significant contributions to the franchise, which have earned him a legendary status. With his work as Spider-Man, Holland has also proved that he is capable of handling the pressure and responsibilities of being a fan-favorite character.
Source: Hot Ones
