The success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which will mark the sixth time Holland has played the character.
While he’s no doubt been a success, Holland doesn't get every Peter Parker mannerism down pat. He can fully adapt them in future entries in the MCU, but the comic book version remains better in certain areas. From the way Peter carries himself to his more emotional moments, it’s worth taking a look at where Holland shines and lacks in his performance when compared to the comics.
Nails: His Nice Guy Quality
Peter Parker is known to be a nice guy, lacking the taunting nature of Tony Stark or the brashness of Thor. Tom Holland portrays the character with the same level of sensitivity as the comic book version, achieving this by keeping his mannerisms subtle and not exaggerating his qualities.
Holland also incorporates the character’s pushover tendencies, by showing Peter almost in a perpetual state of shock and cluelessness. The general perception of this version of Peter is that of a nice guy, and that comes down to the actor playing it as intended.
Better In Comics: Peter's Quips
No matter which version of Spider-Man one is looking at, witty quips have to be a big part of his dialog. While Holland brings this to his performance, he doesn’t do it as much justice as the character in the comics. Moments like him mocking the Winter Soldier’s arm and the thieves in Avengers masks are funny, but they are still more on the innocent side rather than being fully sarcastic.
Comic book Peter Parker’s quipping is akin to Tony Stark’s, in that he makes his opponents look totally foolish and does so very frequently. It’s a lot more fun to see him turn serious situations into jokes, and even keep this up during intense battles, which the MCU Peter lacks, at the moment.
Nails: Dynamic With Aunt May
The first two Spider-Man film series made it appear as if Peter Parker’s relationship with Aunt May is all about having serious conversations, but the comics actually show them being playful and affectionate. To this end, Tom Holland’s chemistry with Marisa Tomei shines through very well.
Holland’s dynamic with Tomei sees the actor play Peter as a friend-type figure to his aunt, rather than just a nephew. This includes the two talking openly, along with Parker loosening up to show the level of comfort he has around Aunt May’s character.
Better In Comics: Spider-Man's Tough Attitude In Serious Situations
Among the many things Spider-Man: No Way Home is a tough portrayal of the main character. A negative point of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker for some fans is his almost exclusive sensitivity, making some fans question if his version will ever be as tough as he is in the comics.
For the time being, comic book Peter Parker is the best way to see this side of his character. Here, he is seen as tough both in battle and in personality. Peter’s dark side is best manifested through the symbiote, but he’s been all-business on his own, plenty of times, as well.
Nails: The Sad & Tortured Moments
The benefit of playing perhaps the most sensitive version of Peter Parker is that Tom Holland has brought some superb performances during sad moments. This was best seen in his mourning of Tony Stark, as Holland channeled the same kind of trauma Peter had in the comics over the death of Uncle Ben.
It’s part of Peter’s character to not let himself break down completely and instead grieve in silence, with Holland doing about the same each time the MCU Peter Parker has been seen in his saddest scenes.
Better In Comics: Peter's Way Of Showing Affection
Tom Holland’s focus on the awkwardness in Peter Parker’s personality has meant his character isn't as confident where romance is concerned. Comic book Peter has a distinct way of showing his affection, usually involving giving out hugs or resting his head on his romantic interest.
The MCU Peter Parker was just awkward around his love interests, Liz and MJ, with Holland’s brief romantic scenes not coming across as fully affectionate. He has his chance to improve on this in the third movie, but the comic book Peter is a better alternative for those who want to see him at his best as a romantic figure.
Nails: Banter With His Best Friend
Harry Osborn started off disliking Peter in the comics before they became best friends after he realized Peter’s personality was standoffish, in general. Tom Holland’s version has Ned Leeds fill this role, and while there’s no antagonism here, there’s a lot of banter between them.
To this end, Holland nails the fast-talking dynamic his character is supposed to have with his best friend, coupled with the bromance aspects. The actor portrays this even better by showing Peter’s boyish personality around the Ned Leeds character, which is achieved by becoming more of a wiseacre in style.
Better In Comics: His Reaction To His Spidey-Sense
The MCU has taken a humorous approach to Spidey-sense by calling it the “Peter Tingle.” This has also had the effect of making Tom Holland’s portrayal of the effect more of a joke than a legitimate ability of Peter’s, as his acting is basically to make a surprised face.
The comic book Peter is better at reflecting the fear, shock, and awareness in his features that communicates to readers that danger is afoot. The reaction is supposed to fill fans with a sense of foreboding and thrill that changes the pace of the story, but some might say that Holland hasn’t nailed this tone just yet.
Nails: The Fight Stance
The key detail to an actor showing off their mettle as a Spider-Man actor is to nail the physical stance the character takes. This involves assuming a hunched position that indicates Peter is about to pounce, either at his enemy or sling away.
Tom Holland has been masterful in emulating this detail, both in the Spider-Man suit and as Peter in his civilian identity. It gives off the vibe that Peter is quick in springing into action, and the stance has become the popular choice for character posters.
Better In Comics: The Teenage Angst
An essential part of Peter Parker’s characterization is for him to portray the problems of a normal teenager, such as breakup issues, money problems, and general brooding. Tom Holland has been held back here due to his version having Tony Stark as his benefactor, but the times he does get to portray the angst of his character don’t seem as genuine.
These come across as pauses from the MCU Peter’s largely funny material, with Holland’s angst-ridden scenes like pining for Liz and feeling the weight of responsibility as Spider-Man being relatively similar and not carrying as much depth. Due to this, the comic book Peter is a well-rounded option for fans to see the full portrayal of teen angst.
