Tom Holland revealed dehydrating for a shirtless Spider-Man: Brand New Day scene left him “really grumpy,” saying the demanding prep wasn’t worth it.
Tom Holland Opens Up About Extreme Movie Preparation
August 06, 2026 – Tom Holland is getting candid about the lengths he went to for one memorable scene in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. During a recent interview, the actor revealed that he intentionally dehydrated himself before filming a shirtless bathhouse sequence in hopes of achieving a more defined physique on camera.
The scene features Peter Parker entering a Russian bathhouse while seeking information from Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova. After being instructed to remove his clothes, Spider-Man appears wearing only his iconic mask and underwear, creating one of the film’s most talked-about comedic moments.
Credit: Sony Pictures
The Plan Didn’t Go as Expected
Holland explained that he followed a bodybuilding technique sometimes used before photo shoots or competitions. He drank large amounts of water leading up to filming before dramatically reducing his intake the day before the scene.
However, the actor admitted the strategy failed to deliver the dramatic results he had hoped for. Looking back, Holland joked that the dehydration “made me really grumpy” and confessed he couldn’t even tell much difference when watching the finished scene. Rather than improving his appearance, he said the process mainly left him uncomfortable throughout filming.
A Funny Moment in the Film
Although the preparation proved disappointing, the bathhouse sequence has become one of the movie’s most memorable moments. The scene pairs Holland’s Spider-Man with Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova in an unexpected encounter that blends humor with the film’s larger mystery.
The sequence has also drawn attention from longtime gaming fans, who noticed similarities to the famous “Undies Suit” featured in Marvel’s Spider-Man video games. While not an official adaptation of that costume, the moment has been widely viewed as a playful nod to the beloved game series.
Working Alongside Florence Pugh
Brand New Day marks the first major on-screen team-up between Holland and Florence Pugh within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Their characters share several key scenes throughout the film, with Yelena playing an important role in Peter Parker’s latest adventure.
Holland praised the experience of working alongside Pugh, while the cast has spoken about the fun atmosphere behind the scenes despite the demanding action sequences and physical preparation required for many of the film’s biggest moments.
Credit: Sony
Spider-Man Continues His Record-Breaking Run
Holland’s behind-the-scenes story arrives as Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues its remarkable performance at the global box office. The film has already shattered multiple records, surpassing $1 billion worldwide in just six days and becoming the second-fastest movie ever to reach the milestone.
The blockbuster’s success has further solidified Holland’s place as one of Marvel’s defining stars while introducing audiences to Peter Parker’s latest chapter following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. As fans continue discovering behind-the-scenes stories from production, Holland’s humorous confession has become another memorable talking point surrounding the film.
Behind the Scenes of a Marvel Blockbuster
Holland’s story offers a reminder of the demanding physical preparation that often goes into major superhero productions. Actors frequently undergo months of training, strict nutrition plans, and carefully managed fitness routines to portray comic book heroes on screen. However, Holland admitted that some methods are more effective than others.
By openly discussing the experience, he also highlighted that the pursuit of a certain on-screen look isn’t always glamorous. His humorous reflection that dehydration simply made him “really grumpy” has resonated with fans, offering an honest perspective on the realities of preparing for blockbuster filmmaking.
Tom Holland Keeps It Real
Throughout his career, Holland has earned a reputation for speaking candidly about both the rewards and challenges of playing Spider-Man. Whether discussing demanding stunt work, intense workout routines, or funny mishaps during filming, the actor often shares behind-the-scenes stories with honesty and humor.
His latest revelation continues that trend, showing that even one of Hollywood’s biggest superhero stars doesn’t take himself too seriously. Fans praised Holland for laughing at the experience rather than pretending the preparation produced dramatic results, making the story even more relatable.
Credit: Sony
Spider-Man’s Momentum Continues
As Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues its record-breaking theatrical run, behind-the-scenes moments like Holland’s bathhouse story are giving audiences an even greater appreciation for the work that went into the film. From physically demanding action sequences to comedic moments that have become fan favorites, the production has generated excitement both on and off the screen.
With the film already setting new box office records and receiving enthusiastic reactions from audiences worldwide, Holland’s latest behind-the-scenes confession has become another memorable chapter in the success of Marvel’s newest Spider-Man adventure.
Final Thoughts
Tom Holland’s humorous admission that dehydrating for a shirtless Spider-Man: Brand New Day scene only left him “really grumpy” offers an entertaining look behind the curtain of blockbuster filmmaking. While the preparation may not have delivered the dramatic results he expected, his willingness to laugh about the experience has made the story another fan-favorite moment. As Brand New Day continues its remarkable box office run, Holland’s honesty and self-deprecating humor remain part of what makes his portrayal of Spider-Man so widely loved.
FAQs
Why did Tom Holland dehydrate himself for Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
He wanted to achieve a more defined appearance for a shirtless bathhouse scene in the film.
What did Tom Holland say about the experience?
Holland admitted the dehydration “made me really grumpy” and said he could barely notice any difference on screen.
Which scene required the preparation?
The preparation was for a bathhouse sequence in which Peter Parker appears shirtless while interacting with Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova.
Who appears with Tom Holland in the bathhouse scene?
Florence Pugh appears as Yelena Belova during the memorable sequence.
How has Spider-Man: Brand New Day performed at the box office?
The film has become one of the biggest box office successes of the year, surpassing $1 billion worldwide within its first week of release.
Published by HOLR Magazine