In an interview with Esquire UK, Tom Holland singled out Owen Cooper as a standout candidate to take over the role of Spider-Man. The endorsement is a personal vote of confidence, not a casting announcement. Holland stars in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, which continues Peter Parker’s story after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. The film opened theatrically on July 31, 2026, and became available for premium digital rental and purchase on October 6.
Cooper’s profile rose sharply after his performance as Jamie Miller in Netflix’s Adolescence, a drama that also stars Stephen Graham. At 16, Cooper won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, becoming the youngest recipient of the award in that category. The recognition has put the young British actor in the spotlight as audiences discuss who might eventually follow Holland as Peter Parker.
Holland also reflected on his own route into the public eye, recalling the audition process for Billy Elliot the Musical, an early breakthrough in his career. He has spoken about the value of guidance for young performers entering high-profile roles, crediting Robert Downey Jr. with mentoring him during his early years as Spider-Man. Holland said he hopes to offer similar support to whoever takes on the role in the future.
Holland has not indicated that he plans to leave the franchise imminently. In the Esquire UK interview, he discussed the possibility of staying involved as a producer when a transition eventually comes, while acknowledging the challenges that could come with the move. He also described Brand New Day as a departure from the previous films, with a story shaped by mystery and uncertainty. In the film’s premise, Peter lives in a world that has forgotten him and continues as Spider-Man on his own.
The film’s performance after its theatrical run has kept the franchise in view: Spider-Man: Brand New Day ranked No. 1 on the DEG digital sales-and-rentals chart for the week ending October 11, following its premium digital release. That commercial momentum and Holland’s endorsement have kept succession in the conversation, but Cooper has not been announced as a replacement. Spider-Man’s history of introducing younger performers to global audiences makes the prospect compelling for fans, while Holland’s comments put mentorship alongside casting in any eventual handover.
