Tom Holland Names His GOAT Superhero, and it is Not Even His Own Character

Tom Holland has spent nearly a decade swinging through the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Spider-Man, a run long enough that he could easily make a case for his own character topping any superhero debate. Instead, while promoting Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ alongside co-star Matt Damon, Holland used the moment to hand the crown to someone else entirely.

During a Complex ‘GOAT Talk’ interview alongside Damon, the two actors traded playful jabs while working through a rapid-fire list of favorites, superhero movies among them. When the question turned to naming the greatest superhero of all time, Holland did not hesitate, telling Complex it would have to be Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man.

That answer lines up with sentiments Holland has expressed for years about his former on-screen mentor. Speaking to IMDb back in 2019 alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Holland called the original ‘Iron Man’ one of the greatest superhero movies ever made, explaining that it also happened to be his own personal introduction to the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe as a fan before he ever joined it as an actor.

Holland has been similarly effusive about Downey Jr as a scene partner and friend beyond just the character itself. He has previously said no one in the history of movies should ever attempt to play Tony Stark again, a nod to just how definitive he believes Downey Jr’s performance across the franchise truly was.

The GOAT Talk interview also gave Damon his own moment in the spotlight, revealing that Spider-Man is actually his personal favorite superhero, a choice that came with its own bit of history attached. Damon explained that he used to regularly dress up as the web slinger as a kid, joking that he had aged out of the character by the time Tobey Maguire’s first live action film hit theaters.

That admission set up some good natured ribbing between the two ‘Odyssey’ co-stars, with Damon jokingly noting the long line of respected actors who have played Spider-Man before adding that the quality took a hit once Holland took over the role himself. Holland shot back just as quickly, teasing Damon for taking so long to answer and joking about whether he was picturing Andrew Garfield in his infamous Superman-style costume from an earlier scene in the conversation.

Beyond the superhero talk, Holland has continued using his ‘Odyssey’ press run to praise Nolan’s filmmaking approach, suggesting the director’s methods could serve as a genuine blueprint for how future Spider-Man films get made. That kind of cross pollination between the two projects has become something of a theme throughout Holland’s recent interviews, as he continues balancing his ongoing Marvel commitments with his growing collaboration with Nolan.

With Holland set to return as Peter Parker in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ later this month, and Downey Jr himself preparing to reenter the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, the mutual admiration between these two Spider-Man eras looks likely to keep coming up throughout the rest of the year’s press cycles.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!