Beyond the Bricks: Tom Holland and the Enduring Appeal of LEGO
tom Holland, the actor behind the beloved Spider-Man, isn’t just a superhero on screen.He’s a lifelong LEGO enthusiast, a passion he shares with his brothers and one that played a surprisingly pivotal role in the making of Spider-Man: Homecoming. This enduring connection to the iconic building blocks speaks to LEGO’s broader appeal – a blend of creativity, connection, and a welcome escape from our increasingly digital world.
A Childhood Built on Bricks and Competition
Holland’s fondness for LEGO began early, fueled by classic video games like LEGO Indiana Jones and LEGO Star Wars. Thes titles weren’t just fun; they offered a rare chance for cooperative play.”A lot of our childhood was spent with massive arguments about whose turn it was to play the Xbox,” recalls Holland’s brother, Harry. “So when we got [those LEGO games] it was like,’oh wow,we can play this at the same time.'”
The competitive spirit between the brothers quickly translated to the “LEGO battlefield,” fostering rivalries and shared memories. But the appeal extends beyond gaming. Holland’s brother, Sam, emphasizes the importance of physical LEGO sets.”In a world where we’re surrounded by screens, it gets people off screens, it gets people talking to one another,” he explains.
And let’s not forget a practical lesson: “It also teaches you about tidying up,” Holland jokes.”As if you don’t tidy up Lego, it can be risky for your parents’ bare feet.”
From Fan to Re-Creator: Holland’s LEGO History
Holland’s love for LEGO isn’t just anecdotal. An older interview with IGN showcases his impressive skills,as he meticulously re-enacted a bank heist scene from spider-Man: Homecoming using a LEGO set.While he admits he no longer builds minifigures of himself, his most cherished LEGO memory centers around a specific project with a close friend.
Building a Bond: The Homecoming Death Star
That memory involves building the massive 3,803-piece LEGO Star Wars death Star with Jacob Batalon, who plays Ned Leeds in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.This wasn’t just a leisurely pastime; it was a bonding experience during a period of rapid change.
“Jacob and I were becoming fast friends and our lives were being flipped upside down,” Holland remembers. “And there’s that fantastic scene where Ned drops the LEGO Death Star and we were tasked by the studio to build one ourselves.”
You might recall the iconic scene in Homecoming where Ned discovers peter Parker’s secret identity and, in shock, sends the Death Star crashing to the floor. Interestingly, the set used for filming wasn’t a standard build. The studio needed it to break in a specific way, so they intentionally weakened its internal structure for a more dramatic shatter.
Despite this modification, the experience remains a powerful memory for Holland. “I just remember having really fond memories of sitting down with Jacob in my house, getting to know each other at the very beginning of this crazy journey,” he says. “And it was rooted in making this LEGO Death Star.” A friend’s mom even joined in, adding to the collaborative spirit.
Why LEGO Endures
Tom Holland’s story highlights why LEGO continues to resonate with generations. It’s more than just a toy; it’s:
A catalyst for connection: LEGO encourages collaboration and shared experiences. A creative outlet: It allows you to build, design, and imagine without limits.
A digital detox: It offers a welcome break from screens and promotes hands-on play.
A lesson in responsibility: Yes, even tidying up!
Ultimately, LEGO provides a unique blend of entertainment and enrichment, a quality that clearly left a lasting impression on a young Tom Holland – and continues to do so today.
About the Author: Tom Phillips is IGN’s news Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social.