MANILA, Philippines — Tom Holland's Peter Parker finds himself in a tough spot in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" after evading advice from his counterpart from a different universe.
The upcoming film picks up after the events of 2021's "Spider-Man: No Way Home," where no one knows who Peter Parker is but are aware of the existence of a friendly, neighborhood webslinger.
It is a result of Peter keeping his identity a secret at the expense of losing everything he knows, including best friend Ned (Filipino-American Jacob Batalon) and partner MJ (Zendaya, now Holland's wife).
Holland discussed during a global intimate virtual press conference with select media outlets including Philstar.com the predicament of Spider-Man thriving and Peter not so much, where the latter is arguably in "the darkest chapter of his life."
"The thing I love the most about the film is that it's a cautionary tale for the dangers of living a life alone and not having a community or friends," Holland said.
The actor shared one thing his character learned from Andrew Garfield's version of Peter after crossing paths in "No Way Home" is "the bravest thing one can do is ask for help."
Holland's Peter actively ignored this piece of advice, which plays a huge part in his current predicament.
Related: Spider-Man battles Hulk, Scorpion in latest 'Brand New Day' trailer
On the other hand, his Spider-Man is thriving and the actor even called the movie's characterization as the "most truthful version of what Spider-Man means to New York City."
Putting together those two worlds, Peter was interesting for Holland, particularly scenes where his Peter is keeping tabs on Ned and MJ via Instagram.
"I really kind of dove into this new idea because it just felt so relatable and prevalent to what's happening in the world," the actor added.
Life without Spidey
Zendaya and Batalon also offered their insights to portraying their characters who — after a decade of building friendships — now have to act as if they've never met Peter Parker.
Batalon quipped that, at the expense of Holland's Peter, he and Zendaya's characters are "living great, full lives" but may be feeling something is lacking.
Related: Tom Holland confirms Zendaya marriage as 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' press tour starts
In Batalon's case, his Ned creating a "Spidey Tracker" may be his character's way of finding the missing link between them and Spider-Man as the latter is always saving their lives.
Zendaya decribed it as a fun, acting exercise where they must do a scene as if they have never met before, adding that "it was fun to investigate what their lives have been like without Peter."
The actress reiterated that as it stands, Peter never existed for them but he clearly left an impact on their lives given Ned and MJ are still friends sharing a space in New York. MJ becoming a pessimist, and Holland's Peter turning into an optimist, a role reversal, is seen another effect Peter has on his friends.
"Peter is one of those characters that you just love and want them to make the right decisions," Zendaya continued.
She noted how the other Spider-Mans played by Garfield and Tobey Maguire showed the "what ifs" in the previous movie "No Way Home."
"[Brand New Day] is grappling with those ideas of really confronting the things [Garfield and Maguire's Peters] warned about," Zendaya ended. "I'm rooting for him but... not looking good!"
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" premieres in Philippine cinemas on July 29.