Tom Holland has opened up about the affectionate nickname he uses for Zendaya and looked back on his earliest memories of meeting her, following his confirmation that the pair are married after years of keeping their relationship largely private.
Although speculation about their romance dates back to 2017, when they were filming Spider-Man: Homecoming, it’s widely believed that Holland and Zendaya did not begin dating until late 2020.
Holland recently confirmed their marriage while speaking to Esquire, and his latest comments have offered fans a more personal glimpse into the relationship they’ve kept largely out of the spotlight.
Discussing life with ‘Zee’, the nickname he uses for the Euphoria actor, Holland explained how important that bond has become to him.
“Our business can present very stressful situations and it’s really nice to have a bedrock of a relationship that will stand the test of time.
“We can support each other in ways that only we can, because only we understand really what it’s like to live this life, and I think that is such a luxury, because I just don’t understand how I would be able to have anything like that with anyone else.”
The 30-year-old went on to describe how central Zendaya is to his life.
“So, for me, I found my person. She’s my best friend, and I’m the happiest I ever have been when I’m with her, but I also have never felt so supported and safe, ever. Period.”
Holland also revisited the first time they met while working on Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016, where Zendaya was cast as Michelle Jones, better known as MJ.
From the sounds of it, Zendaya made an impression immediately.
“Obviously, I was super excited at the prospect of working with her and getting to know her.
“She smashed her audition out the park and got the part before she’d even left the room. I remember when she closed the door to leave, Amy Pascal was immediately like, ‘Well, she’s getting the job’.”
The couple are also set to appear together again in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey, which is due in cinemas on July 17, 2026. Holland will play Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, while Zendaya is taking on the role of Athena.
The pair have also been linked to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which is scheduled for release on July 31, 2026, keeping both stars in the spotlight through a busy summer of major releases.
Their story began with a chemistry read for Spider-Man: Homecoming, and according to past reports, producer Amy Pascal even warned them against getting romantically involved. Her concern came after previous Spider-Man co-stars Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, as well as Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, also became couples away from the screen.
Pascal later told the New York Times:
“I took Tom and Zendaya aside, separately, when we first cast them and gave them a lecture.
“Don’t go there – just don’t. Try not to. It can just complicate things, you know?”
Not long after, the pair started appearing on each other’s Instagram accounts, which only added fuel to the speculation.
A source later told People that Holland and Zendaya were together, saying they had been traveling together and making time for each other whenever possible.
Zendaya addressed that report on X, joking:
“Wait wait…my favorite is when it says we go on vacations together HA! I haven’t been on a vacation in years!”
Holland replied with his own playful response:
“Does the press tour count?”
Zendaya also pushed back on the rumors during an interview with Variety, where she described Holland as one of her closest friends.
“He’s a great dude. He’s literally one of my best friends.
“This past how many months we’ve had to do press tours together. There