In the world of superheroes, Spider-Man holds an iconic status like no other. Over the past two decades, Marvel Studios has delighted fans with multiple renditions of this beloved character, and Tom Holland’s most recent portrayal has captivated audiences worldwide.
As the web-slinging hero swings into our hearts, it begs the question: Is Tom Holland the shortest actor to don the Spidey suit?
The role of Spider-Man has become highly coveted in film and television, attracting acclaimed actors such as Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, who have masterfully brought Peter Parker’s story to life.
Tobey Maguire, Tom Holland, and Andrew Garfield as multiple iterations of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the 2021 superhero film Spider-Man: No Way Home (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
However, regarding physical stature, Spider-Man stands tall at approximately 5 feet and 10 inches (178 cm) in the comics.
Curiously enough, as we analyze the Hollywood actors who have portrayed our friendly neighborhood superhero, we find ourselves pondering who among them stands as the tallest Spider-Man star.
Let’s delve into the intriguing world of Spider-Man actors and unravel the mystery behind their heights, from shortest to tallest.
1. Tom Holland – The Shortest Spider-Man Actor at 5ft 6 ½ in. (168.9 cm)
Tom Holland, born on June 1, 1996, has made a lasting impact on the superhero genre with his portrayal of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The 28-year-old actor debuted as Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War in 2016. However, in 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming, he made history by becoming the youngest actor to play a title role in an MCU film at only 21 years old.
Holland’s Spider-Man adventure continued with appearances in Avengers: Infinity War in 2018 and Avengers: Endgame in 2019, where he stood alongside Earth’s mightiest heroes in their battle against Thanos.
Tom Holland in a sleek green suit, exuding sophistication with a modern twist at the screening of The Crowded Room in New York City on June 1, 2023 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
In Spider-Man: Far From Home in 2019, Holland’s performance reached new heights as he navigated the complexities of being a teenage superhero.
However, Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021 shattered expectations for bringing together Holland’s Spider-Man and the beloved Spider-Men of previous generations, played by Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield.
The epic crossover united three generations of Spider-Men on the big screen for the first time, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience and becoming the highest-grossing film that year.
While Spider-Man has become synonymous with Tom Holland, his versatility as an actor extends beyond the superhero genre. In the action-packed film Uncharted in 2022, he showcased his range by taking on the lead role of Nathan Drake.
Tom Holland as Nathan Drake in the 2022 action-adventure film Uncharted (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
He proved his ability to tackle diverse characters by delving into crime dramas, including The Devil All the Time in 2020 and Cherry in 2021.
Beyond his on-screen roles, Holland has also explored other creative avenues. He ventured into directing with the short film Tweet in 2015 and lent his voice to computer-animated features such as Onward in 2020.
Tom Holland’s Perspective on Height: Shortest Spider-Man Actor
In the MCU world, where many actors tower above six feet tall, Tom Holland is an exception. At 5 feet and 6 ½ inches (168.9 cm), he is the shortest actor to portray Spider-Man. Despite this, he has faced his height-related insecurities head-on and developed a refreshing perspective on self-acceptance.
In a candid conversation with GQ in 2021, Holland admitted to being an “impossible people pleaser,” saying, “I don’t like the idea of people not liking me. So I will do whatever I can do to make that not the case.”
Holland opened up about a tactic he employed on red carpets to enhance his height. He revealed, “I’d do this thing on red carpets where I would stand closer to the photographers than the people behind me [to look taller].”
Over time, he has learned the importance of prioritizing what he can control and accepting what he cannot change, stating, “I cannot do anything about my height. I can put on more muscle.”
Girlfriend Zendaya towers over Tom Holland at the premiere of Spider-Man: No Way Home in Los Angeles, California, on December 13, 2021 (Credit: Collin Xavier / Image Press Agency / ABACA / INSTARimages)
During the Spider-Man: No Way Home promotion on SiriusXM, Holland shed light on an aspect of his casting as the title character.
He recalled, “It’s ridiculous. I remember when we were doing the Spider-Man screen tests, I mean, you’d have to ask [director] Jon Watts this question, but every girl we tested for both roles was taller than me. And I wonder whether that was a decision Jon had made, there was no one who tested that was shorter than I was.”
Holland acknowledged, “To be fair, I am quite short. So maybe that’s a decision Jon Watts made, and something he was aware of, and he wanted to break the stereotype.”
2. Shameik Moore – Bringing Miles Morales to Life at 5ft 7 in. (170.2 cm)
Shameik Moore breathed life into the character of Miles Morales in the 2018 animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and its 2023 sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
He will also lend his voice to the forthcoming installment, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, further solidifying his connection to the iconic superhero.
Shameik Moore at the 2023 BET Awards held at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California on June 26, 2023 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Born on May 4, 1995, Shameik Moore made his breakthrough as a lead actor in the critically acclaimed film Dope in 2015. From 2019 to 2023, he captivated audiences as Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan in Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga.
The 29-year-old actor’s journey to stardom began with minor roles in various television shows and films such as Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Reed Between the Lines, and Joyful Noise.
He landed his first significant television role on the sketch-comedy series Incredible Crew and showcased his talent as one of the five male leads in the Netflix series The Get Down, which premiered in 2016.
3. Drake Bell – Voicing Spider-Man at 5ft 7 ½ in. (171.5 cm)
Drake Bell, renowned for his Nickelodeon stardom, seamlessly transitioned into the role of the iconic Spider-Man in various animated adaptations.
With his unmistakable voice, the 38-year-old actor captivated audiences as the voice of Peter Parker in the highly acclaimed animated series Ultimate Spider-Man from 2012 to 2017 on Disney XD.
Drake Bell suited up for the Thirst Project’s 10th Annual Thirst Gala held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California on September 28, 2019 (Credit: Robert Smith / INSTARimages)
He continued to voice the beloved character in subsequent projects, such as The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in 2012, the 2013 television series Avengers Assemble, and Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. in the same year.
Bell’s portrayal of the web-slinger extended beyond television. He also contributed his voice talents to several Spider-Man video games.
While his portrayal of Spider-Man undoubtedly added to his illustrious career, Bell rose to prominence through his starring roles in Nickelodeon’s beloved series, The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh.
4. Oscar Isaac – Spider-Man 2099 Stands at 5ft 7 ½ in. (171.5 cm)
Oscar Isaac made a memorable cameo in the first installment, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, as Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099, which was confirmed in the credit sequence.
In its sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, in 2023, Isaac donned the iconic red and blue suit once again as he returned as Spider-Man 2099, a brilliant geneticist residing in New York City, whom his employers and research partners betrayed.
Oscar Isaac attending the 2023 Drama League Awards held at Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City on May 19, 2023 (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)
Oscar Isaac made his mark with notable roles such as Joseph in the biblical drama The Nativity Story in 2006 and supporting parts in Robin Hood in 2010 and Drive in 2011. However, his breakthrough performance in Inside Llewyn Davis in 2013 catapulted him into the spotlight.
The 45-year-old actor continued to rise with leading roles in films like A Most Violent Year in 2014, Ex Machina in 2015, and X-Men: Apocalypse in 2016. He gained worldwide recognition for portraying Poe Dameron in the Star Wars sequel trilogy from 2015 to 2019.
Isaac showcased his acting prowess on television in the critically acclaimed miniseries Show Me a Hero in 2015. More recently, he captivated audiences as the titular character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Moon Knight in 2022.
5. Tobey Maguire – The Original Live-Action Spider-Man at 5ft 7 ¾ in. (172.1 cm)
Tobey Maguire is widely recognized as the iconic Spider-Man, having portrayed the title role in the highly successful film series, putting him on the superhero movie map long before the Marvel Cinematic Universe became a phenomenon.
As the star of Sam Raimi’s trilogy, Maguire was pivotal in introducing the beloved character to live-action audiences. The first film, Spider-Man (2002), shattered box office records with the largest opening weekend then.
Following the success of the initial movie, the 49-year-old actor continued to impress fans with two direct sequels, Spider-Man 2 in 2004 and Spider-Man 3 in 2007.
Tobey Maguire at the world premiere of Babylon held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, California on December 15, 2022 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Despite his remarkable portrayal, Tobey Maguire’s tenure as the wallcrawler unexpectedly halted when Sony decided to reboot the series.
However, fans’ dreams came true when he reprised his beloved role in Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021, reuniting with fellow Spider-Man actors in an epic crossover event.
Before his ascent to superhero stardom, Tobey Maguire showcased his acting prowess with notable performances in films like This Boy’s Life, The Ice Storm, Deconstructing Harry, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
6. Donald Glover – The Prowler and Miles Morales at 5ft 8 ½ in. (174 cm)
Many fans remember Donald Glover’s notable portrayal of Miles Morales in the animated series Ultimate Spider-Man in 2015.
His involvement in the Spider-Man universe didn’t end there. He further showcased his acting prowess by bringing the character Aaron Davis, also known as The Prowler, to life in the superhero films Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017 and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in 2023.
Donald Glover making a bold entrance at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California on March 12, 2023 (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)
Before his foray into the world of superheroes, the 41-year-old honed his creative skills at Derrick Comedy. He later caught the attention of Tina Fey, who brought him on board as a writer for the popular NBC sitcom 30 Rock at age 23.
This opportunity paved the way for his rise to fame as Troy Barnes, the lovable college student, in the NBC sitcom Community from 2009 to 2014. From 2016 to 2022, he took on the lead role in the FX series Atlanta, a project he created and occasionally directed.
He has also graced the silver screen with his presence, starring in the supernatural horror film The Lazarus Effect, the comedy-drama Magic Mike XXL, and the science fiction film The Martian.
7. Karan Soni – Spider-Man India at 5ft 8 ½ in. (174 cm)
Karan Soni stepped into the shoes of Pavitr Prabhakar, also known as Spider-Man India, in the 2023 animated film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Residing in Mumbattan, a fusion of Mumbai and Manhattan, his unique Indian version of Spider-Man is a member of the Spider-Force, a team of heroes from alternate universes.
Karan Soni was all smiles at the premiere of The People We Hate at the Wedding held at the Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles, California on November 17, 2022 (Credit: FAYES VISION / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
This role showcased Soni’s versatility as an actor, expanding beyond his previous notable portrayal of Dopinder in the Deadpool franchise.
The 35-year-old actor’s journey in the entertainment industry began with his feature film debut in Safety Not Guaranteed in 2012, which paved the way for lead appearances in popular series like Betas and Other Space.
His comedic timing and charm have made him a familiar face, appearing in films such as Ghostbusters, Office Christmas Party, and Pokémon Detective Pikachu. Soni has made his mark on television as a series regular on Blunt Talk and Miracle Workers.
8. Daniel Kaluuya – Spider-Punk’s Height at 5ft 8 ½ in. (174 cm)
Daniel Kaluuya has taken on the iconic character of Spider-Man, who uses a guitar as his weapon, in the animated film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in 2023.
In this movie, the 35-year-old lent his voice to Hobart “Hobie” Brown, also known as Spider-Punk, a relatively new hero in Marvel Comics, who debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man #10 in January 2015.
Daniel Kaluuya looking snazzy at the UK screening of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in London, England on June 1, 2023 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Before taking on the role of Spider-Man, Daniel Kaluuya began acting in improvisational theater as a teenager. He gained recognition for his performance in the television series Skins, where he portrayed Posh Kenneth and even co-wrote some episodes.
His talent continued to shine in various television roles, including appearances in Doctor Who, Psychoville, The Fades, and the critically acclaimed Black Mirror episode “Fifteen Million Merits.”
Kaluuya’s filmography boasts impressive supporting and leading roles in movies like Johnny English Reborn, Kick-Ass 2, Widows, Get Out, Black Panther, and Judas and the Black Messiah.
9. Jake Johnson – Peter B. Parker Stands at 5ft 9 in. (175.3 cm)
Jake Johnson, known for his role as Nick Miller in the sitcom New Girl, showcased his talent as Spider-Man in the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in 2018.
The 46-year-old reprised his role as Peter B. Parker in the sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, in 2023.
Jake Johnson attending the premiere of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in Los Angeles, California on May 30, 2023 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Alongside his animated endeavors, he has also made notable appearances in films such as Let’s Be Cops, Safety Not Guaranteed, and Jurassic World.
He also starred in Paper Heart, 21 Jump Street, The Mummy, and Tag. Recently, he has captivated audiences with his comedic skills in the television series Minx.
10. Andrew Garfield – A Taller Spider-Man at 5ft 10 ½ in. (179.1 cm)
Andrew Garfield is an English-American actor who achieved acclaim for his portrayal of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the movies The Amazing Spider-Man in 2012 and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in 2014.
The 41-year-old actor donned his Spidey suit in the film Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021 for the iconic crossover with the other live-action actors.
Despite not being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his modernized take on the character resonated with audiences, offering a fresh perspective compared to the earlier Spider-Man films.
Andrew Garfield looking dapper at the Serpentine Summer Party 2023 held at Serpentine South Gallery in London, England on June 27, 2023 (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Although Garfield’s tenure as Spider-Man finished earlier than anticipated, he continued to seek major Hollywood roles. He showcased his acting skills in films like Hacksaw Ridge in 2016 and The Eyes of Tammy Faye in 2021, receiving critical acclaim for his performances.
Garfield’s talent was evident even before his Spider-Man days, as he made his feature film debut in the 2007 drama Lions for Lambs and won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor for his role in Boy A.
In 2010, Garfield gained international attention for his supporting role as Eduardo Saverin in The Social Network. He further proved his versatility through his roles in Tick, Tick… Boom! and the crime drama miniseries Under the Banner of Heaven.
11. Neil Patrick Harris – Animated Spider-Man at 5ft 11 ½ in. (181.6 cm)
Neil Patrick Harris brought his talents to the superhero world as the voice of Peter Parker in MTV’s Spider-Man: The New Animated Series in 2003.
It wasn’t his only venture into the Spider-Man universe, as he also lent his voice to the iconic character in the 2010 video game Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, portraying Peter Parker and his web-slinging alter ego.
Neil Patrick Harris making an appearance at the Vineyard Theatre 40th Anniversary Gala in New York City on February 13, 2023 (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
While the 51-year-old actor is well-known for his television roles, such as the beloved Doogie Howser on ABC’s Doogie Howser, M.D. and the legendary Barney Stinson on CBS’s How I Met Your Mother, his acting range extends far beyond the small screen.
He effortlessly embraced various characters, including the devious Count Olaf in Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events and the title character in Joss Whedon’s musical Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.
His impressive filmography includes notable movies like Starship Troopers, Beastly, The Smurfs, Gone Girl, and A Million Ways to Die in the West.
12. Nicolas Cage – Spider-Man Noir Stands at 6ft 0 in. (182.9 cm)
In the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Nicolas Cage showcased his talent as Spider-Man Noir in 2018. Portraying a black-and-white detective version of Peter Parker, he lent his voice to bring this unique character to life.
While the 60-year-old actor initially gained attention for his romantic roles in films like Valley Girl, Peggy Sue Got Married, and Moonstruck, he received widespread acclaim for portraying an ex-convict in the dark comedy Raising Arizona.
Nicolas Cage makes a bold fashion statement in a shimmering black blazer and eye-catching zebra-print pants at the premiere of Renfield in New York City on March 28, 2023 (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)
Cage has successfully positioned himself as a notable presence in mainstream action movies, starring in blockbusters such as Con Air, Face/Off, and the National Treasure film series from 2004 to 2007.
In recent years, Cage has garnered renewed critical recognition for his starring roles in films such as The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent in 2022.
13. John Mulaney – The Voice of Spider-Ham at 6ft 0 in. (182.9 cm)
John Mulaney demonstrated his versatility by portraying Peter Porker, also known as Spider-Ham, in the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in 2018.
Before this role, the 42-year-old actor made a name for himself as a writer on the popular NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live from 2008 to 2013.
John Mulaney suited up for the special screening of John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Brunch in New York City on December 16, 2019 (Credit: JOHN NACION / Startraksphoto)
Alongside his television success, Mulaney has garnered acclaim for his stand-up specials, including The Top Part, New in Town, The Comeback Kid, Kid Gorgeous, and Baby J.
His talents extend beyond comedy and writing. From 2014 to 2015, he created and starred in the semi-autobiographical sitcom Mulaney on Fox.
Mulaney’s presence is also felt in animated shows, as he voices Andrew Glouberman in Big Mouth since 2015 and Big Jack Horner in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in 2022.
14. Chris Pine – The Tallest Spider-Man Actor at 6ft ½ in. (184.2 cm)
Chris Pine made a memorable cameo as one of the incarnations of Spider-Man in the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in 2018.
In the film, the 44-year-old actor portrays a version of Peter Parker, who tragically meets his demise, showcasing his heroic nature. Pine is not unfamiliar with this role, as he previously portrayed Captain Kirk in the Star Trek reboot film series, including Star Trek Into Darkness.
Chris Pine looking stylish at the Zegna Menswear Spring/Summer 2024 show during Milan Fashion Week in Milan, Italy on June 19, 2023 (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)
Pine gained prominence through his roles in romantic comedies, such as Lord Devereaux in The Princess Diaries 2 and Jake Hardin in Just My Luck.
His diverse filmography includes portraying Steve Trevor in the DC Extended Universe films Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman 1984, Will Colson in Unstoppable, and Edgin Darvis in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
Not confined to a specific genre, Pine has also showcased his talent in musicals, playing Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods in 2014. Additionally, he has lent his voice to animated characters, such as Jack Frost in Rise of the Guardians and the upcoming role of King Magnifico in Wish.