Tom Holland Reveals Jon Bernthal Manifested Their 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Team-up Years Ago

Published 07/22/2026, 9:39 PM EDT

via Imago

Tom Holland has shared a remarkable story from the early days of his career, long before he and Jon Bernthal became part of Marvel. Looking back on their first collaboration, the actor recalled a prediction that seemed unlikely at the time but has since come true in the most unexpected way.

The two actors met while filming the 2017 historical drama Pilgrimage in Ireland, a project that arrived before either had landed the superhero roles that would redefine their careers. As they worked together, both were preparing auditions for Marvel, unaware of how closely their paths would remain connected.

During a recent interview, Holland revealed that one conversation from those days has stayed with him ever since. Years later, with the pair set to reunite in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Bernthal's words have taken on an entirely new significance.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Tom Holland says Jon Bernthal predicted their Spider-Man: Brand New Day reunion years ago

Speaking on Live with Kelly and Mark, Tom Holland recalled that he and Jon Bernthal were helping each other film audition tapes while working on Pilgrimage. Holland was auditioning for Spider-Man, while Bernthal was pursuing the role of Frank Castle, better known as The Punisher. During that process, Bernthal made a prediction Holland never forgot.

"He said, 'You should do it with me. Maybe one day we'll get to share the screen together," Holland revealed.

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING, Tom Holland, 2017. ph: Chuck Zlotnick Columbia Pictures Courtesy Everett Collection !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

"That's why we're here today. We got to do it," Holland said on Live with Kelly and Mark, referring to the power of manifestation that they would one day share the screen together. With Bernthal joining Spider-Man: Brand New Day, that prediction has now come full circle.

"It Sounds Like Church"- Jon Bernthal Explains Why Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Set Felt Different

While Bernthal's prediction eventually became reality, Holland also revealed how the two actors supported each other before either had officially joined the Marvel universe.

Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal helped each other land their Marvel roles

Jon Bernthal recently looked back on those auditions during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, revealing that the pair recorded each other's Marvel self-tapes while filming Pilgrimage. He even encouraged Tom Holland to make his Spider-Man audition more ambitious by suggesting he run up a wall and perform a backflip, believing it would help him stand out. Bernthal also remembered Holland's unwavering confidence throughout the process, recalling that the young actor repeatedly insisted, "I'm Spider-Man," long before he landed the role.

The Odyssey New York Premiere Jon Bernthal attending The Odyssey New York Premiere held at the AMC Lincoln Square on July 14, 2026 in New York City, NY New York City AMC Lincoln Square NY USA

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Years after those auditions, both actors achieved their Marvel dreams, and Bernthal's prediction has finally become reality. What began as two actors helping each other film Marvel audition tapes on the set of Pilgrimage has evolved into one of Hollywood's most remarkable full-circle stories. Years after Bernthal predicted they would one day share the screen, the pair are now set to reunite not just in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, but also in Christopher Nolan's The Odysseytwo of the most anticipated films on the release calendar.

From chasing breakthrough roles together to starring alongside each other in back-to-back tentpole projects, Holland and Bernthal's journey is a testament to how far they've come since those humble beginnings in Ireland.

Loved ‘The Odyssey’? Your Next Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson Fix Is Waiting on Netflix

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Which project are you more excited to see Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal reunite in—Spider-Man: Brand New Day or The Odyssey? Let us know in the comments!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Aarav Poonia

228 articles

Aarav Poonia is an Entertainment Writer at Netflix Junkie, covering films and series across Hollywood, and global cinema. With a Bachelor’s degree in Filmmaking, specializing in Direction and Screenplay Writing, he brings a strong understanding of storytelling and screen craft to his work. His experience includes writing film reviews, industry updates, and editorial features, alongside developing multiple short fiction screenplays.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK