Spider-Man producer says she warned Tom Holland and Zendaya not to date

Spider-Man producer Amy Pascal says she advised Tom Holland and Zendaya not to date after they were cast together

Spider-Man producer Amy Pascal has revealed that she advised Tom Holland and Zendaya not to begin a romantic relationship after they were cast together, saying similar advice had been given to previous stars of the franchise.

Pascal made the comments while attending the premiere of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, following Holland's recent confirmation that he and Zendaya are now married after a private ceremony.

Holland and Zendaya, who portray Peter Parker and MJ in the Marvel franchise, began dating after working together on 2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming. According to Pascal, she had urged both actors to avoid a relationship.

"I say this to all of them, and no one ever listens to me," Pascal told Variety. She added that Holland and Zendaya are "pretty happy together."

In a separate interview with the BBC, Pascal reflected on the history of romances among Spider-Man co-stars.

"Tobey and Kirsten dated, and Andrew and Emma — and MJ and Peter just always fall in love. There's nothing you can do about it."

Pascal had previously shared the same story in a 2021 interview with The New York Times, recalling that she spoke to Holland and Zendaya separately after they were cast.

"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. I gave the same advice to Andrew and Emma. It can just complicate things, you know? And they all ignored me."

The producer was referring to Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, who dated after starring in 2012's The Amazing Spider-Man, as well as Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, who were also in a relationship during the original Spider-Man film series.

While promoting Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Holland also spoke about his relationship with Zendaya, describing her as his "best friend".