Before Tom Holland ever suited up as Spider-Man, he was just a 19-year-old actor trying to land the role of his dreams. And surprisingly, it was Punisher star Jon Bernthal who gave him the confidence — and the idea — that may have sealed the deal.
In 2015, Holland and Bernthal were filming the gritty drama Pilgrimage in the remote countryside of Ireland. Both had Marvel on their minds. Bernthal was auditioning to become Frank Castle (The Punisher), and Holland was recording his tape for Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War.
Far from the glamour of Hollywood, the two actors leaned on each other — running lines, filming takes, and offering feedback. And when it came time for Holland to shoot his tape, Bernthal had one piece of advice: “Make them remember you. Do something no one else will do.”
That’s when he suggested something bold: a backflip.
“Tom looked at me and said, ‘Really?’” Bernthal later recalled in an interview. “I told him, ‘Yeah, man. Show them what you’ve got.’”
Tom — with his background in gymnastics and dance — didn’t hesitate. He ran toward a wall, launched into a perfect backflip, landed smoothly, and went straight into his lines. The tape was sent off to Marvel.
Not long after, Tom Holland was cast as Spider-Man.
Bernthal shared the story years later on Jimmy Kimmel Live, smiling as he remembered the moment. “I take just a little credit,” he joked. “I don’t think the other guys could’ve done that.”
For Holland, it wasn’t just about the flip. It was about confidence, energy, and believing in himself — something Bernthal helped spark. Their friendship turned a routine audition into something unforgettable.
Today, both actors have become beloved figures in the Marvel Universe. Holland’s Spider-Man has become a global icon, while Bernthal’s Punisher remains one of the most praised performances in Marvel’s TV world.
It’s a reminder that even superheroes need support — and sometimes, all it takes is a good friend, a crazy idea, and a little faith in your own leap.
