During the pivotal moment when Tom Holland auditioned for the iconic role of Spider-Man, he was simultaneously working on a film alongside Jon Bernthal, who was vying for the role of The Punisher. This unique collaboration allowed them to support each other with their audition tapes. Recently, in an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Bernthal humorously claimed that he deserves a “little” bit of credit for Holland securing the coveted role of Spidey. This anecdote highlights the camaraderie and shared experiences in the competitive world of Hollywood auditions.

“We did a film about seven or eight years ago,” Bernthal recounted. “That was where both Tom did his audition for Spider-Man and I did my audition for Punisher. We actually made each other’s audition tapes [working] on that film.” He went on to describe Holland’s unwavering confidence, stating that Holland “really believed he was going to get it.” This belief in himself was instrumental in his journey to becoming a superhero on the big screen.

“I was like ‘There’s probably a lot of people that want to be Spider-Man, I mean, you’re super talented and all, but the odds are kind of against you, but yeah, let’s make the tape,’” Bernthal recalled. “He just had this belief, and when you get to know him and see how he shows up, there is a reason why he is the movie star that he is.” This reflection captures the essence of Holland’s tenacity, a trait that undoubtedly contributed to his success in landing the role.

Regarding the “little” credit Bernthal claimed, he mentioned that he encouraged Holland to perform a daring stunt during his audition. “I gave him the note, ‘Tom, maybe you should run up that wall and do a double backflip and then start the scene.’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, you think I should do that? That’s not too much?’” This pivotal moment showcases the supportive relationship they developed during a competitive process.

“I was like, ‘I don’t think any of these other fools are able to do that,’ and he in fact did that,” Bernthal reminisced. “It’s not that I take responsibility for him, but you know, like a little something.” This interaction not only emphasizes their camaraderie but also highlights Holland’s incredible physical abilities that made him a perfect fit for the role of Spider-Man.

If you’re curious about the film where Bernthal and Holland collaborated before their Marvel roles, it is titled Pilgrimage. Set in the tumultuous backdrop of 13th-century Ireland, it follows a group of monks tasked with escorting a sacred relic through perilous landscapes. This film is known for its dark themes, gritty storytelling, and brutal action sequences. Additionally, Bernthal and Holland are set to reunite in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film The Odyssey, which is scheduled for release in theaters on July 17, 2026, promising another thrilling collaboration between the two talented actors.