Tom Holland Still Haunted By “Umbrella” Lip Sync Battle Performance — Reveals Granny’s Fishnets
Seven years after he captivated millions with his show-stopping rendition of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” on Lip Sync Battle, actor Tom Holland is still talking about the performance — and revealing surprising new details. The Spider-Man star, whose 2017 appearance became an instant viral sensation, recently shared the unexpected origin of a key piece of his unforgettable costume.
A Surprising Revelation During a Cooking Segment
During a recent cooking segment alongside celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, uploaded on July 31st, the 29-year-old actor delved into the specifics of his famed routine. As Holland, who turns 30 next year, and the 58-year-old Ramsay prepared a spicy fried chicken sandwich at the Gordon Ramsay Academy, the chef playfully probed about the fishnets Holland donned for the “Umbrella” number. “Were they mum’s fishnets?” Ramsay inquired. Holland’s candid response: “They were my granny’s, actually.”
The Performance That Broke the Internet
The performance itself, aired in May 2017, pitted Holland against his then Spider-Man: Homecoming co-star, Zendaya. What began with a classic Hollywood homage to “Singin’ in the Rain” quickly exploded into a dynamic, rain-soaked interpretation of Rihanna’s 2007 hit single. The episode garnered immense viewership, with Holland’s segment alone accumulating tens of millions of views across various platforms, cementing its place as one of the show’s most memorable moments. The chemistry between Holland and Zendaya, who reportedly became engaged in January, was palpable even then, adding another layer of intrigue to their on-screen rivalry.
Holland recounted how the initial plan for the battle was to “take it easy” and keep it “nice and easy breezy” – a mutual agreement with Zendaya. However, collaboration with the show’s creative team soon escalated. “As we were rehearsing, it got crazier and crazier,” Holland revealed to Ramsay. The evolution included the dramatic addition of a rain machine, leading to Holland’s spontaneous decision for a full transformation: “And then I was like, ‘F— it, I wanna wear fishnets and do this, and I want a wig and a quick-change.'” This fearless commitment to the performance, embracing the theatricality, ultimately paid off in its viral impact.
Dad’s Apprehension and Lasting Legacy
Not everyone was immediately on board with the bold concept. Holland disclosed that his father, director Dominic Holland, expressed significant apprehension. “When I told my dad, he was like, ‘Son, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I don’t think you should do that,'” Holland recalled. His father’s concern stemmed from a desire to protect his son from the pressures of burgeoning fame, fearing Holland was “becoming too famous too quickly” and urging him to avoid “extra TV shows that I didn’t have to do to try and maintain that part of my childhood.”
Despite its widespread acclaim and millions of views, Holland admits the persistent focus on his Lip Sync Battle performance can be “ridiculous.” “Honestly, of all the pieces of work I’ve done, that I’ve put my heart and soul into, blood, sweat, and tears, the Lip Sync Battle is the thing that everyone brings up,” he shared, laughing. “It’s never Spider-Man, it’s never any of my other movies, it’s always Lip Sync Battle. It haunts me.” This playful lament underscores the performance’s indelible mark on pop culture and Holland’s career trajectory.
Looking Ahead: New Spider-Man Film on the Horizon
While his iconic dance moves continue to make headlines, Holland is also looking ahead. He recently donned the famed suit once more for Marvel’s upcoming film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026.
