How Jon Bernthal helped Tom Holland land of Spider-Man role
It’s a story of friendship, hustle, and the kind of behind-the-scenes magic that proves even superheroes need a little help sometimes.
Long before they became household names in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jon Bernthal and Tom Holland were co-stars in the 2017 medieval drama Pilgrimage, filming in the scenic landscapes of Ireland.
But what most fans didn’t know is that during this time, the two actors were helping each other chase Marvel dreams that would change their careers forever.
In a recent interview, Jon Bernthal shared that Pilgrimage was where he and Tom both filmed their audition tapes — Bernthal for The Punisher, and Holland for Spider-Man. And the coolest part? They made each other's audition tapes.
"We were constantly making tapes for Marvel—just acting together,' Bernthal said.
"That was where both Tom did his audition for Spider-Man and I did my audition for Punisher. We actually made each other’s audition tapes on that film."
According to Bernthal, they weren’t just reading lines — they were actively coaching one another.
In fact, he gave Holland some now-iconic advice: throw in a backflip to stand out.
"I was like, ‘You need to do a backflip, dude. I don't think any of these other fools are able to do that,"' Bernthal recalled.
Holland took the advice seriously and added the move to his tape — a detail that likely helped him secure the coveted role of Spider-Man.
Though those original tapes remain locked away — "like Fort Knox," as Bernthal puts it — the bond they forged and the mutual support they offered each other left a lasting impact.
Both went on to land their roles: Holland as the young, energetic web-slinger in Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Bernthal as the gritty, vengeance-driven Frank Castle in Daredevil season 2 and later The Punisher.
It’s a story of friendship, hustle, and the kind of behind-the-scenes magic that proves even superheroes need a little help sometimes.