Tom Holland has played Spider-Man in multiple MCU films over the years and the actor has become synonymous with the character. From his scene-stealing debut in Captain America: Civil War to the epic Spider-Man: No Way Home, the character has evolved significantly through his appearances.
Spider-Man had a big role in Avengers: Infinity War, with his introduction being one of the highlights of the film. Holland’s arm hair stands up as his Spidey sense kicks in when Thanos’ minions arrive on Earth. While most believed the scene was achieved through CGI, Marvel surprisingly did it via practical means.
Peter Parker’s Iconic ‘Goosebumps’ Intro in Infinity War Was Done Practically
After leading his own solo film with Spider-Man: Homecoming, Tom Holland‘s Spider-Man joined the big leagues in Avengers: Infinity War, officially becoming an Avenger. Before joining the fight against Cull Obsidian and Ebony Maw who arrive on Earth to hunt for the Time Stone, Peter senses their arrival as his arm hair stands up. He tells Ned to distract his classmates while he slips out and goes to help Iron Man.
This badass introduction where the character gets goosebumps was believed to be done entirely through CGI. However, The Russo Brothers revealed that it wasn’t the case. The directors revealed that they have been asked many times how they achieved that great shot. They employed an unorthodox practical trick to make the scene happen.
Anthony Russo stated that the scene was achieved by a crew member gently blowing into Holland’s ears off-camera. The brothers said (via ComicBook.com),
“We get asked this all the time. How did we get the hair on Tom Holland’s arm to stand up? In our New York Times ‘Anatomy of This Scene,’ we finally revealed…a lot of people think it’s a CG shot, but it was actually achieved by a very gentle blowing on Tom’s ear.”
The scene itself looked very real and thus the directors’ explanation makes sense (although they might have used a little bit of CGI to further enhance the scene). The unique approach might have made Holland a bit uncomfortable (as they most probably shot the scene a couple of times) but they nevertheless achieved what they wanted for the scene.
Tom Holland Becomes a Major Creative Force in Developing Spider-Man 4
After the gargantuan success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Sony and Marvel Studios are in the early stages of developing the fourth Spider-Man film. There is no script written as of yet and the film has also not been officially announced. However, Tom Holland recently updated fans on the progress of the film and what to expect from it.
Holland stated that he has become part of the creative process behind brainstorming ideas for Spider-Man 4. He is also constantly observing and learning from other executives about the whole process and the whole team does not want to repeat themselves with the fourth film. The actor told Deadline,
“This is the first time in this process that I’ve been part of the creative so early. It’s just a process where I’m watching and learning. It’s just a really fun stage for me. Like I said, everyone wants it to happen. But we want to make sure we’re not overdoing the same things.”
Holland’s most recent project was 2023’s The Crowded Room where his performance was well received. On the big screen, he is set to portray Fred Astaire in a biopic directed by Paddington filmmaker Paul King.
Fans can watch Holland in Avengers: Infinity War on Disney+.
