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Full Breakdown

Tom Holland Calls Some Past Films “Shit” While Praising Current Blockbusters

7/27/2026, 12:31:58 PM

Core Event: Candid Podcast Remarks

On the July 22 episode of the Dish Podcast, Tom Holland discussed the press cycles for his two summer releases. He said that promoting movies he is proud of is straightforward because he can answer honestly why audiences should see them. He contrasted this with earlier moments in his career when, in his mind, he thought the film “was shit” and struggled to sell it. Holland did not name the specific titles he was referring to.

Background & Context

Holland is currently fronting two high-profile projects. The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan, adapts Homer’s epic and features Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Holland as Telemachus. The film opened this summer and has become a major box-office draw. Spider-Man: Brand New Day marks Holland’s fourth solo Marvel outing, slated to open on July 31, continuing Peter Parker’s story after the memory-altering events of *No Way Home*.

Data & Statistics

  • The film’s opening week generated roughly $300 million globally (reported by Variety and Deadline).
  • In its second weekend, The Odyssey was projected to exceed $500 million worldwide.
  • A later industry report placed the second-week total at $600 million globally.

These differing figures illustrate the rapid escalation of the film’s earnings but also highlight a lack of a single, confirmed total at this stage.

Official Statements & Responses

He expressed genuine pride in both The Odyssey and Brand New Day, noting that the authenticity of his enthusiasm makes interviews feel “effortless.”

Verbatim Quotes

  • “It’s felt really like a bit of a victory lap, to be honest,” — Tom Holland

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

The box-office performance of The Odyssey is reported with varying numbers: Variety and Deadline cite a $300 million opening week, TheWrap anticipates a $500 million-plus second-week total, while Hollywood Reporter claims the film has already surpassed $600 million in its second weekend. No outlet has confirmed a final cumulative figure, and Holland did not identify the past projects he described as “shit,” leaving that aspect of the story unresolved.

Timeline

  • July 22 – Holland appears on the Dish Podcast and makes the candid remarks about past films.
  • July 31 – *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* is scheduled to open in theaters.

Why It Matters

Holland’s openness sheds light on the pressures actors face when promoting work they do not personally endorse. His contrast between past promotional challenges and current enthusiasm underscores how critical personal belief is to effective film marketing, especially for high-budget, high-visibility releases.