Tom Holland has made a career out of playing the guy who swings through danger. But his latest fan connection is much more grounded: he says flying has suddenly become terrifying.
Speaking on the Dish podcast this week, the actor said he has “developed such a fear of flying” after years of traveling for work without much hesitation. Holland, who turned 30 last month, said getting on planes has become one of the most stressful parts of his life.
The confession landed because it is not the kind of celebrity problem fans usually roll their eyes at. With Holland promoting both The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, he said the travel schedule has become relentless.
“Any bit of turbulence, I’m screaming,” he said, describing himself as a wreck during frequent flights.
Podcast co-host Nick Grimshaw suggested that some nervous flyers feel better after learning how planes work. Holland said he had already tried that, recalling that he once approached a pilot in an airport lounge and asked for five minutes of reassurance.
It did not work. Asked whether the conversation helped, Holland answered simply: “No.”
Fans quickly turned the clip into a group therapy session for anxious travelers. Some said they had also developed a fear of flying as adults, while others pointed to turbulence, social media, family responsibilities and the feeling of losing control as possible triggers.
For Holland, the timing is awkward. Press tours are built around airports, tight schedules and very little room for a slow boat alternative.
Still, the reaction was warm. As one fan response put it, “Our fears tuck away in odd places.”
