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Tom Holland and Zendaya rapidly ascended to become a prominent couple among Gen-Z following their collaboration in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s *Spider-Man* films. As their characters, Peter Parker and M.J., developed a romantic connection on screen, observers couldn’t help but perceive chemistry between them off-screen as well.
Throughout the years, the pair have maintained a considerable degree of privacy regarding their relationship. In a 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Tom elaborated, “Our relationship is something that we are incredibly protective of and we want to keep as sacred as possible. We don’t think that we owe it to anyone, it’s our thing, and it has nothing to do with our careers.”
Following the confirmation of their romance in 2021, the couple discreetly became engaged in late 2024—a significant event that became public knowledge when Zendaya showcased a diamond ring at the 2025 Golden Globes. And now, in early 2026, speculation is intensifying, with suggestions that the two may have taken another major step privately. Neither party has confirmed the recent marriage rumors.
From their Marvel origins to their appearances on the red carpet and their eventual proposal, revisit the complete relationship history of Zendaya and Tom below.
2016
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Zendaya and Tom first crossed paths in 2016 when she auditioned for the role of M.J. in *Spider-Man: Homecoming*. After securing the part, the two rapidly formed a friendship while collaborating on set.
2017
@Zendaya Does the press tour count 😂😝 https://t.co/2WsstZPyde
— Tom Holland (@TomHolland1996) July 13, 2017
Following the debut of the initial *Spider-Man* film, the actor from *Cherry* and the actress from *The Greatest Showman* were observed attending multiple public events together to support their MCU movie. During their promotional tour, the close friends consistently appeared joyful and engaged with each other, alongside their fellow cast members.
In 2017, *PEOPLE* reported that Tom and Zendaya were secretly dating and had taken a vacation together, claims that both parties strongly refuted.
“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???” Zendaya tweeted that year, to which Tom responded, “Does the press tour count?”
Later that year, Zendaya clarified in an interview with *Variety* that she was not romantically involved with Tom. “We are friends,” she stated. “He’s a great dude. He’s literally one of my best friends. This past how many months we’ve had to do press tours together. There’s very few people that will understand what that’s like at 20 years old.”
2018
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Throughout 2018, Tom and Zendaya occasionally exchanged supportive comments on social media. They also engaged in playful online banter, demonstrating the strength of their friendship.
2019
The premiere of *Spider-Man: Far From Home* featured the pair sharing their first on-screen kiss. At the time, Zendaya was reportedly in a relationship with her *Euphoria* co-star Jacob Elordi, which temporarily sidelined romance rumors involving Tom.
2020
Tom was briefly linked to British actress Nadia Parkes in 2020, even featuring her on his Instagram account. The timeline for the end of their relationship remains unclear.
2021
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In July 2021, photographs surfaced showing Tom and Zendaya kissing during a drive around Los Angeles. Two months later, the couple chose to make their relationship public on Instagram when Tom posted a heartfelt birthday message for his girlfriend, famously referring to her as “My M.J.”
In November of that year, Tom expressed his displeasure regarding the photos of him and Zendaya kissing, which were taken without their consent. During his interview with *GQ*, the star of *The Crowded Room* remarked, “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. 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.”
Zendaya shared her boyfriend’s sentiment in a conversation with the publication. Reacting to the viral photos, she described the experience as “quite strange and weird and confusing and invasive.”
“The equal sentiment [we both share] is just that when you really love and care about somebody, some moments or things, you wish were your own,” the former Disney Channel star said. “I think loving someone is a sacred thing and a special thing and something that you want to deal with and go through and experience and enjoy amongst the two people that love each other.”
2022
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Throughout 2022, the couple was observed in various locations globally, from the U.S. to England. However, following a report that falsely claimed Tom and Zendaya had purchased a home together in London, the actor from *The Impossible* addressed it humorously during an appearance on *Live With Kelly and Ryan*.
“I’ve had so many people call me up because, apparently, I bought a new house in South London? Which is completely false!” he stated. “I didn’t buy a new house. I’m like, ‘Wow, what a surprise, I wonder when I’ll get the keys.’”
2023
Tom holland and Zendaya spending Christmas with family 💗 pic.twitter.com/VnkleGUiNP
— Damian ⛧ Cappi ✨taylors 3version3 (@cappiwrld) December 24, 2023
In June 2023, while speaking with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Tom offered insight into Zendaya’s audition for *Spider-Man: Homecoming*.
“I was so blown away by how unique her performance was,” he commented. “And also just so interested in the fact that as soon as she left the room, there was a unanimous decision that she was our M.J. … And obviously, I’m very happy that she came in and tested that day. I’m sure you can guess why.”
Tom also mentioned that Zendaya is “wonderful to work with” and is “arguably the most talented person I’ve ever met.”
January 2025
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On January 5, 2025, Zendaya attended the Golden Globes adorned in a striking orange gown and matching heels. However, her jewelry, particularly a diamond ring on her ring finger, drew the most attention, sparking engagement speculation.
According to the LA Times, when questioned by a reporter about the ring and a potential engagement, the outlet stated her response was, “She kept showing her ring, smiled coyly, and shrugged her shoulders mysteriously.”
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Shortly thereafter, People and TMZ reported that Tom had proposed to Zendaya sometime in December 2024 during the winter holidays. According to TMZ, the on-screen superhero sought Zendaya’s father, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, for his approval to marry her.
September 2025
During a public forum in late September 2025, a journalist referred to Zendaya as Tom’s “girlfriend.” Tom chuckled and then firmly corrected them, stating, “Fiancée.”
February 2026
Zendaya was observed wearing a gold band on her ring finger, leading to speculation that she and Tom might have already exchanged vows. However, this remains purely conjectural. The couple has not publicly confirmed their marital status.
March 2026
Wedding rumors gained momentum in March 2026 when Zendaya’s long-time stylist, Law Roach, hinted on the red carpet at the Actor Awards that the couple might already be married, telling reporters, “You missed it,” and later reaffirming the statement.
Despite the widely discussed moment, Zendaya and Tom have not officially confirmed a marriage, and their representatives have not released any statements.
(Photo by Pablo Cuadra/WireImage)
June 2026
The beloved superhero pair made a rare joint appearance on the red carpet at the Spider-Man: Brand New Day photocall in Madrid, Spain.