Joe Russo Called Tom Holland Last Great Movie Star
The director praised the actor during a recent interview discussing his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Action/Adventure
Director Joe Russo recently identified Tom Holland as the last great movie star in the industry. The filmmaker shared his perspective during an interview with CBR.
Why it matters
The comments highlight the evolving status of Hollywood stars in the modern era of franchise filmmaking. Russo's observation offers insight into how industry leaders perceive contemporary talent compared to past generations.
Joe Russo co-directed major franchise films including Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He also directed the 2021 film Cherry.
The players
Joe Russo
He is an acclaimed filmmaker who co-directed several major entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Tom Holland
He is a prominent actor known for his portrayal of Spider-Man in recent superhero film franchises.
Robert Downey Jr.
He is a veteran actor who will portray the character Doctor Doom in the upcoming film slate.
The details
Joe Russo provided his assessment of Tom Holland in a conversation with CBR. While Russo has frequently collaborated with Holland, the actor is not currently slated to appear in upcoming entries like Avengers: Doomsday or Avengers: Secret Wars, which will feature Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom.
Timeline
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release on December 18.
Industry Dynamics
These remarks arrive as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to shift its focus toward new character arcs and high-profile casting decisions. The statement highlights a broader transition in Hollywood regarding how major studios utilize star power to maintain audience interest in expansive franchises.
Fans can look forward to seeing the next phase of the franchise when new films hit the big screen later this year. Those following the casting updates will note that Tom Holland is not currently part of the scheduled lineup for the upcoming Avengers installments.
The takeaway
The observation from a key industry player serves as a reminder of the shifting influence of actors in blockbuster cinema. Readers may consider how current casting trends compare to the star-driven models of previous decades.
What happens next
Avengers: Doomsday is set to arrive in theaters on December 18.
Further reading
Explore ongoing developments in the genre on the Action/Adventure section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gamesradar.
