Cooper Finally Addresses Spider-Man Rumors—And His Confession About Tom Holland Will Melt Your Heart

Owen Cooper has finally spoken out about the rumors swirling around him becoming the next Spider-Man, and he credits Tom Holland for igniting his dream of acting. The 16-year-old, fresh off the success of his role in Adolescence, had a conversation that seamlessly moved between football discussions and Hollywood aspirations with effortless charm. While keeping the tone light, Cooper clearly stated his position on the rumors. His remarks provided an unexpectedly personal glimpse into how his journey actually began.

As fans flooded social media with theories about his potential casting as Spider-Man, Cooper shared something far more genuine about what inspired him to pursue acting.

Owen Cooper Sets the Record Straight on The Tonight Show

During an appearance on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon asked Cooper if he was a fan of Tom Holland. With an enthusiastic “yeah,” Cooper explained that the online speculation about him being in line for the role didn’t reflect reality.

“It’s like, everyone thinks I expected to play Spider-Man, but I was like, no, that’s not true,” he said on the show. He then added, “I think I’ve watched The Impossible over 40 times,” revealing that watching Holland sparked his dream of acting.

Tom Holland himself has further fueled the conversation by openly suggesting Cooper as a strong contender to inherit the mask. In an interview with Esquire, Holland praised the young actor, calling him incredibly talented and the current talk of the industry. He also mentioned his desire to mentor whoever takes on the role next, much like Robert Downey Jr. guided him through his early Marvel projects. This endorsement adds real weight to the speculation that Cooper is trying to downplay.

Why Owen Cooper Could Be the Perfect Spider-Man Fit

Owen Cooper brings a rare emotional depth that few teenage actors can display convincingly. His award-winning performance as a troubled teenager in Adolescence earned him an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA, proving he can handle heavy material with ease. That same range mirrors the psychological burden Peter Parker often carries in the comics. At just 16, Cooper also offers an authentic teenage presence that older actors in their twenties have rarely been able to replicate on screen.

Beyond his acting range, Cooper shares an unexpected connection with Tom Holland. Both trained seriously as youth footballers, with Cooper having played in Manchester. That athletic background gives him a natural physical agility that could translate well into demanding stunt sequences. Additionally, both actors achieved their breakthrough roles at the age of 14, a coincidence fans have already noticed online.

Whether or not the rumors ever become official, Cooper has made it clear that he admires Holland and is honest about the speculation surrounding his potential casting.