Since swinging into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Peter Parker in 2016’s Captain America, Tom Holland has become one of the most sought-after movie stars globally. However, before his iconic Spider-Man debut, the British actor showcased his versatility with roles spanning period pieces, psychological thrillers, YA dramas, and even a critically acclaimed British TV series from the decade. Notably, he had already made a successful all-singing, all-dancing West End debut in the musical adaptation of Billy Elliott.

If you’ve already explored Tom’s recent projects and could use a reminder of his earlier work, here’s a rundown of some of his pre-Spider-Man roles that might have slipped your mind but are undoubtedly worth revisiting.

In The Heart Of The Sea

Tom Holland and his future MCU colleague Chris Hemsworth first collaborated in the 2015 maritime adventure film “In The Heart Of The Sea.” The movie is based on the true story of the sinking of the American whaling ship, believed to have partly inspired Herman Melville’s classic novel.In the film, Tom portrayed a cabin boy who, in one memorable scene, had to embark on a daring journey into a whale’s belly to retrieve oil. Director Ron Howard opted for practical effects over CGI, as Tom later disclosed to The Independent. He explained, “[Ron] had a plastic whale head built, and I had to cover myself in Vaseline and clamber in. The worst part was trying to get back out again because it was so slippery… It was like being born, over and over again, all night long.”

Wolf Hall

In the realm of TV debuts, securing a role in the critically acclaimed BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Booker Prize-winning novel, particularly as Mark Rylance’s on-screen son, is quite impressive. In “Wolf Hall,” Tom Holland takes on the character of Gregory, the lone surviving child of Thomas Cromwell, the right-hand man to King Henry VIII. Even as a teenager at the time, Tom held his own alongside esteemed actors such as Damien Lewis, Claire Foy, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster. While the BBC has confirmed plans to bring the final installment in the Cromwell series, “The Mirror And The Light,” to the screen, whether Tom will reprise his role remаins to be seen.

How I Live Now

Raise your hand if reading Meg Rosoff’s YA novel “How I Live Now” left you slightly traumatized in the 2000s. The story revolves around a teenager who, amidst the backdrop of WW III, finds herself falling in love with her cousin. Almost a decade after the book’s release, it received the big screen treatment with three emerging stars you might be familiar with: Saoirse Ronan, George MacKay, and Tom Holland. Saoirse portrayed the protagonist, Daisy, an American teen sent to her aunt’s farm in the British countryside when thing erupts. George played her cousin Edmond, while Tom took on the role of Isaac, his reserved twin brother.

The Impossible

Tom Holland’s breakthrough moment arrived with “The Impossible,” a 2012 film delving into how a family endured the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004. In the movie, he portrayed Lucas, the eldest son of Naomi Watts’ Maria and Ewan McGregor’s Henry. Film critics lauded his performance, recognizing his ability to mature on screen, transitioning from adolescent self-absorption to a profound and weighty sense of responsibility. The New York Times, in particular, commended him as “a terrific young actor,” foreseeing his promising future in the film industry.

The Lost City Of Z

This period adventure stands as a hidden gem, garnering critical acclaim upon its 2017 release but falling short at the box office and receiving minimal awards recognition, despite its remarkable ensemble cast. Tom Holland shared the screen with talents such as Robert Pattinson, Charlie Hunnam, and Sienna Miller in this film, which unfolds the true story of the Edwardian explorer Percy Fawcett (played by Charlie Hunnam). Commissioned by the Royal Geographical Society to survey the Brazilian jungle near the border with Bolivia, Fawcett became enthralled with the notion of discovering a “lost city” known as “Z” in the Amazon. His compelling journey to find it unfolds alongside his eldest son Jack, portrayed by Tom Holland.

Edge Of Winter

In this psychological thriller, Tom portrayed Bradley, the teenage son of Joel Kinnaman’s Elliot, a divorced father whose endeavor to connect with his children on a winter hunting trip takes a perilous turn when snowy conditions leave them stranded in the countryside. Seeking refuge in a remote cabin, Bradley and his brother Caleb (played by Percy Hynes White) gradually discern that their father is teetering on the brink, potentially jeopardizing their lives. A review in the New York Times commended the younger actors, describing Tom Holland’s performance as effortlessly conveying quiet internal activity.

Arrietty

Prior to securing his inaugural live-action film role, a 14-year-old Tom lent his voice to the character Sho in the English version of “Arrietty,” a Studio Ghibli adaptation of The Borrowers. Sho is a young boy residing in a suburban house while awaiting medical treatment in the city. His life takes a transformative turn when he encounters Arrietty, the diminutive ‘borrower’ living with her family beneath the floorboards, with her voice portrayed by Saoirse Ronan.

Locke

In this understated psychological movie from Peaky Blinders creator Stephen Knight, Tom Hardy takes the sole on-screen role as Locke, unfolding during a car journey from Birmingham to London. Throughout the trip, Locke engages in phone conversations with colleagues and family members, among them his son Eddie, portrayed by Tom Holland, who provides updates on the football score.

Pilgrimage

Shortly before stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tom Holland took on the role of a novice monk in the historical show “Pilgrimage,” set in medieval Ireland. Portraying Brother Diarmuid, his character is part of a group of monks tasked with escorting a holy relic to Rome. However, their journey across Ireland becomes a complex and challenging endeavor, marked by encounters with Norman soldiers and Gaelic warriors. Tom shared the screen with accomplished actors such as Richard Armitage, Jon Bernthal, and John Lynch from “The Fall.”