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When Zendaya and Tom Holland were caught kissing in a car back in July 2021, the couple put years of speculation about their dating status to rest. But who would’ve thought the internet-breaking moment would instantly solidify the pair as one of Hollywood’s ‘It’ couples?
After meeting on the set of Marvel’s Spiderman: Homecoming in 2016, the burgeoning industry heavyweights subsequently established a love story worthy of the film treatment as the couple’s friendship developed into a deeper shared romance. Like the friends-to-lovers storyline of their on-screen characters Peter Parker and Michelle ‘MJ’ Jones, the American and British actors forged a transatlantic relationship that’s survived multiple movies, press tours and (most importantly) tabloid rumours.
Now, almost four years since they inadvertently shared their adoration for one another, it’s apparent things have gotten serious between the duo—despite their ultra-private approach to love in the limelight and rare public displays of affection. (Save for Holland’s gushing tributes for Zendaya on his Instagram page.)
Ahead, GRAZIA brings you the complete guide to Zendaya and Tom Holland’s relationship history, from the moment they met to (debunked) reports of an engagement and every milestone in their tangled web of affection.
2016: Zendaya & Tom Holland Meet On Set Of Spider-Man: Homecoming And Make Their First Red Carpet Appearance
Tom Holland and Zendaya, both 27, first met on the film set, of Spider-Man: Homecoming. At Comic-Con in July 2016, the co-stars made their first public appearance together. Do yourselves a favour and watch the film’s panel at the industry event. (Skip to 3:27 and pay special attention to Holland’s reaction when he locks eyes with Zendaya. Need we say more?)
During the same month, the pair spent time at a summertime soirée, which Holland commemorated with an Instagram grid post. The moment marked the first time an image of Zendaya and Holland outside of work had ever been made public. Given that Holland was the one sharing it, we should’ve known from the start that this friendship was destined to flourish. See the wholesome picture below!
By the time 2017 rolled around, the press tour for the first film in the Spider-Man franchise was in full swing, delivering red carpet shot after red carpet shot of the pair arm-in-arm. Hindsight hints at these telling clues, but how were we to know the chemistry between these very capable and professional actors wasn’t fictional?
2017: DATING RUMOURS BETWEEN ZENDAYA & TOM HOLLAND BEGIN
Amid the press tour for Spider-Man: Homecoming, an insider came forth to confirm that Zendaya and Holland were a couple, sparking dating rumours. “They started seeing each other while they were filming Spider-Man,” a source told the publication. “They’ve been super careful to keep it private and out of the public eye but they’ve gone on vacations with each other and try and spend as much time as possible with one another.”
Given that Zendaya and Holland were the third pairing to portray the lead and love interest roles in a Spider-Man franchise to actually date in real life, too, the rumour ran rampant across the internet. (For the uninitiated, the pair followed in the footsteps of Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire, and Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield.)
Both stars were quick to respond via Twitter denying all claims.
Wait wait…my favorite is when it says we go on vacations together HA! I haven't been on a vacation in years!😂😭🤣hbu @TomHolland1996 ??? https://t.co/zSkvcfzzTa
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) July 13, 2017
Responding to Zendaya, Holland replied in jest, writing: “@Zendaya Does the press tour count 😂😝”.
2017: Tom Holland Met Zendaya’s parents
In December 2017, both actors added further fuel to the rumour mill after Holland was spotted spending time with Zendaya’s parents, per a report from Page Six.
2019: Zendaya & Tom Holland Have Their First On-Screen Kiss
Zendaya and Tom Holland share their first kiss, well, on-screen kiss), during 2019’s Spider-Man: No Way Home—and on the London Bridge, no less! The pair’s chemistry helped make the film a box office success, which they fêted during their stylish press tour.
2019: Zendaya & Tom HOLLAND APPEAR TO Go On A “BREAK” And DATE OTHER People
Initial speculation over the couple’s relationship was squashed when Zendaya started dating Euphoria co-star, Jacob Elordi in 2019. “They have been inseparable since last summer and have been making time for each other in between projects,” a source told E! News about Zendaya’s relationship with Elordi. “Jacob has met Zendaya’s family, and everyone adores him. They have a lot of fun together and have a lot in common.”
The couple eventually split up. Elordi was spotted with his new girlfriend, Kaia Gerber in September 2020.
2021: Zendaya & Tom Holland Were Papped Kissing In A Car
Official, albeit unofficial, confirmation of their relationship came when Zendaya and Tom Holland were papped kissing in a car while waiting for a set of lights to change in Los Angeles. Naturally, the proof set the internet alight with the sweet images capturing the pair in a candid exchange. The couple could be seen laughing and joking before Holland leaned in for a kiss while caressing Zendaya’s chin. If you haven’t already, these pictures are a must-see!
2021: Zendaya & Tom Holland Make Their Relationship Instagram Official
In the months that followed their in-car kiss, Holland took to Instagram to share a rare BTS shot of the pair on set of Spider-Man for Zendaya’s birthday. “My MJ, have the happiest of birthdays. Gimme a call when your (sic) up xxx,” Holland wrote.
Later that year, Zendaya put her feelings for Holland on the record. “There are many things, obviously, that I appreciate,” the actress began. “In an actor way, I appreciate that he really loves being Spider-Man. It’s a lot of pressure—you take on the role of a superhero wherever you go. To the little kid who walks by, you are Spider-Man. I think he handled that so well,” she continued.
Zendaya concluded her interview by describing her boyfriend as, “A fun time. Very charismatic, can make anybody feel comfortable and have a good laugh and a good chat. A good chat—I sound so British.”
2021: Tom Holland Comments On The Paparazzi Shot Of Him Kissing Zendaya
Holland weighed on how he felt about the paparazzi shot of him kissing Zendaya. “One of the downsides of our fame is that privacy isn’t really in our control anymore, and a moment that you think is between two people that love each other very much is now a moment that is shared with the entire world,” he told GQ. “I’ve always been really adamant to keep my private life private, because I share so much of my life with the world anyway. We sort of felt robbed of our privacy.”
Holland ended the conversation by declining to comment on where he envisions his relationship with Zendaya going in future. It’s not a conversation that I can have without her,” he added. “You know, I respect her too much to say … This isn’t my story. It’s our story. And we’ll talk about what it is when we’re ready to talk about it together.”
2021: TOM HOLLAND & ZENDAY EMBARK ON THE PRESS TOUR FOR Spider-Man: No Way Home
To promote the third (and currently final) instalment in the Spider-Man franchise, Zendaya and Tom Holland delivered a press tour of stellar proportions. Both their sartorial choices and red carpet affection were unmatched, with the Euphoria actress opting for sequin cobweb-dripped Alexander McQueen and custom Valentino Couture crafted from glistening spiderwebs.
2022: Tom Holland DenieD Reports He And Zendaya Bought A House Together
Holland debunked rumours that he and Zendaya purchased a house together in the riverside London suburb of Richmond. It was reported the $5.7 million residence was a shared investment, but Holland denied the claims. “I’ve had so many people call me up because, apparently, I bought a new house in South London? Which is completely false!” he cited. “I didn’t buy a new house. I’m like, ‘Wow, what a surprise, I wonder when I’ll get the keys.’”
2022: Zendaya Posts A Birthday Tribute To Tom Holland On Her Instagram Grid
Returning the favour, Zendaya posted a birthday tribute to Holland on her Instagram grid. “Happiest of birthdays to the one who makes me the happiest <3,” she captioned the black-and-white image.
2023: Zendaya & Tom Holland Share A Glimpse Into Their Date Night
Despite rarely posting their date nights, or any of their outings for that matter, on social media, Zendaya shared a rare glimpse into what an evening out entails. (Unlike her Dune co-star Timothée Chalamet at Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour. , the couple clearly didn’t find it “hard to be present“.)
2023: Zendaya Addresses Why She Keeps her Relationship With Tom Holland Private
“Parts of my life, I accept, are going to be public,” Zendaya explained in an interview with ELLE. “I can’t not be a person and live my life and love the person I love. But also, I do have control over what I choose to share. It’s about protecting the peace and letting things be your own but also not being afraid to exist. You can’t hide. That’s not fun, either. I am navigating it more than ever now.”
2024: Zendaya and Tom Holland Were Spotted Together After The Dune 2 Premiere
Proving that Holland is Zendaya’s number one cheerleader, The Crowded Room star showed support for her project Dune 2 by attending the film’s after-party with her in his hometown of London. Watch them sneak off (in her new-season Mugler!) in the video, below:
@gala.fr
2024: Zendaya Praises Tom Holland’s “Rizz”
Coming into 2024, Zendaya discussed an article of Holland’s that we could’ve never anticipated: his ‘rizz’. (Charisma, that is.) Zendaya offered this tid-bit while promoting Dune 2, as she was asked to answer who of her co-stars had the most amount of it. “I don’t know. ‘Rizz’ is short for charisma, right? Everybody’s kind of got their own,” she tentatively began.
I think someone who has beautiful charisma, not on the Dune cast, but I personally—works for me—is Mr. Tom Holland,” she said of her boyfriend. “I’m more shy and kind of quiet, so it takes a little bit more to pull me out of my shell. But he’s great at just talking to people and getting to know people. You see him on talk shows and stuff like that. He’s just naturally very good at that. Whereas for me, I’ve definitely had to pull it out of me a little bit. So, he’s got that natural gift.”
Ahead, come for her sweet praise and stay for the cute puppies:
@buzzfeed shy rizz is totally a thing 💖 Zendaya: The Puppy Interview coming tomorrow @ 12pm PT! 🐶 #zendaya #dunemovie #puppyinterview #puppies
2024: Zendaya Kicks Off Her Challengers Press Tour With A Tennis Date With Tom Holland
In anticipation of her upcoming romantic sports drama, Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, Zendaya lent into the tennis theme of the film with a date with Tom Holland. The pair were spotted dancing to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” between sets. What better promotion material could the studio want? (Well, her custom Loewe dress at the film’s global opening and Australian premiere doesn’t hurt, either!)
