Full Breakdown
Jacob Batalon Calls Tom Holland and Zendaya “Family” After a Decade of Spider-Man Films
8/5/2026, 4:29:16 PM
Core Event: Batalon’s Public Reflection on Co-Star Relationships
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Jacob Batalon—who has portrayed Ned Leeds for nearly ten years—said his friendships with Tom Holland and Zendaya have grown into a family-like bond. He described the two actors as “the most professional people ever” and expressed genuine happiness at being able to call them family. The comments were made while Batalon celebrated a new partnership with Samsung tied to the theatrical release of *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*.
Background & Context: The MCU Spider-Man Ensemble
Batalon first worked with Holland and Zendaya on *Spider-Man: Homecoming* (2017). The trio subsequently reunited for *Spider-Man: Far From Home*, *Spider-Man: No Way Home*, and now *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*. Throughout the series, Batalon’s character Ned Leeds serves as Peter Parker’s loyal best friend, a relationship that has become a defining element of the franchise.
Key Figures
- Jacob Batalon – Actor, Ned Leeds, 29 years old, reflecting on his MCU experience.
- Tom Holland – Actor, Peter Parker/Spider-Man, 30 years old, co-star since 2017.
- Zendaya – Actress, MJ, 29 years old, co-star since 2017.
Timeline of Collaborations
- 2017 – *Spider-Man: Homecoming* launches the on-screen partnership.
- 2019 – *Spider-Man: Far From Home* continues the trio’s work together.
- 2021 – *Spider-Man: No Way Home* reunites the cast for a major crossover.
- 2024 (relative) – *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* opens in theaters, coinciding with Batalon’s Samsung partnership announcement.
Impact & Significance
Batalon’s remarks underscore how long-term collaboration can foster personal connections that extend beyond the screen. By highlighting the professionalism and camaraderie of Holland and Zendaya, he reinforces the franchise’s reputation for a supportive on-set environment. The interview also ties the actor’s personal narrative to a commercial partnership, illustrating how celebrity endorsements are leveraged alongside major film releases.
