As excitement builds ahead of the global release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31, stars Tom Holland and Zendaya have shared heartfelt reactions to a question inspired by the film’s central storyline.
The movie, which opens a day earlier in Bangladesh and India, begins in a world where everyone has forgotten Peter Parker, played by Tom Holland. Even his closest friends and the woman he loves no longer recognize him, forcing Peter to rebuild the relationships that once defined his life.
During a special interview with India Today, Holland, Zendaya, and co-star Jacob Batalon were asked how they would feel if a similar situation happened in real life and they forgot one another.
Zendaya said she could not even imagine such a possibility.
“You’ve been such a huge part of my twenties,” she said. “If I suddenly forgot you, it would feel like a third of my life had been erased.”
She added that losing those memories would mean more than simply forgetting friends—it would mean losing the experiences that helped shape who she is today.
“I think I would feel there was a huge void somewhere in my life,” she said. “I can’t even imagine what my life would be like.”
Jacob Batalon, who reprises his role as Peter Parker’s best friend Ned, agreed with Zendaya’s emotional response.
“That’s absolutely true,” he said. “I’d probably end up asking myself, ‘Who am I then?'”
For Holland, forgetting his co-stars—and especially his real-life wife, Zendaya—is equally unimaginable.
“I’d definitely remember Jacob,” Holland joked. “His personality and energy leave an impression on everyone. He’s one of a kind. The same goes for both of you. It’s really hard to imagine not remembering either of you.”
Not wanting the conversation to become too emotional, Holland lightened the mood by referencing the iconic Spider-Man theme song.
“I’d just play the Spider-Man song,” he said with a laugh. “Then all the memories would come rushing back.”
Holland, Zendaya, and Batalon first appeared together in Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017 as Peter Parker, MJ, and Ned. Their off-screen friendship has remained one of the franchise’s most celebrated relationships, with Holland and Zendaya later marrying in real life.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Spider-Man: Brand New Day also stars Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Sadie Sink, and several other notable cast members.
