The Definitive Timeline: When Did Tom Holland And Zendaya Start Dating? (Plus Their Shocking 2025 Update)

The question of "when" Tom Holland and Zendaya’s relationship officially began is one of modern Hollywood’s most debated mysteries, fueling endless speculation among fans of the *Spider-Man* franchise and pop culture enthusiasts alike. As of December 2025, their love story has evolved from subtle on-set chemistry to a confirmed, highly-publicized romance, culminating in recent, major life updates that have dominated headlines.

The definitive answer to the starting date is complex, as the couple maintained a fierce level of privacy for years, preferring to let their actions speak louder than public statements. While the world saw the first undeniable proof of their romance in July 2021, the foundation of their bond was laid years earlier, during the intense filming schedule for their first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) collaboration, *Spider-Man: Homecoming* in 2016. This is the complete, updated timeline of how the beloved "Tomdaya" relationship blossomed, including their most current 2025 status.

Tom Holland and Zendaya: A Dual Biography of Hollywood's Power Couple

Before diving into the timeline of their romance, understanding the individual careers and rise to fame of both Tom Holland and Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman provides essential context for their shared journey. Both actors achieved global stardom at a young age, setting the stage for their eventual meeting.

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Tom Holland (Thomas Stanley Holland)

• Born: June 1, 1996, in Kingston upon Thames, London, England.
• Early Career: Began his performing career in 2008 in *Billy Elliot the Musical* on the West End, initially as Michael and later taking on the title role.
• Breakthrough Role: Gained critical acclaim for his role in the 2012 disaster film *The Impossible*.
• Global Stardom: Cast as Peter Parker / Spider-Man in the MCU, debuting in *Captain America: Civil War* (2016) and starring in *Spider-Man: Homecoming* (2017), *Spider-Man: Far From Home* (2019), and *Spider-Man: No Way Home* (2021).
• Notable Projects: *Cherry*, *Uncharted*, and the Apple TV+ series *The Crowded Room*.
• Recent Work: Starred in a highly-anticipated stage production of *Romeo and Juliet* in London in 2024.
• Accolades: Recipient of a BAFTA Rising Star Award and multiple Saturn Awards.

Zendaya (Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman)

• Born: September 1, 1996, in Oakland, California, U.S.
• Early Career: Started as a model and backup dancer, gaining fame as a Disney Channel star on the series *Shake It Up* (2010–2013).
• Critical Acclaim: Achieved major critical success for her role as Rue Bennett in the HBO drama series *Euphoria*, becoming the youngest person to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (and the only person to win twice for the role).
• Film Career: Starred in *The Greatest Showman*, the *Spider-Man* trilogy (as MJ), and most recently the critically acclaimed blockbusters *Dune* and *Dune: Part Two*, as well as the 2024 romantic drama *Challengers*.
• Notable Projects: *K.C. Undercover*, *Malcolm & Marie*.
• Influence: Widely recognized as a fashion icon and one of the defining voices of her generation (Gen Z).

The Relationship Timeline: From Co-Stars to Confirmed Couple (2016–2021)

The story of "Tomdaya" is a classic Hollywood romance that began on a film set, yet took years to confirm, a testament to their mutual desire for privacy.

2016: The Meeting and Initial Spark

The pair first met when they were cast as Peter Parker and Michelle "MJ" Jones in *Spider-Man: Homecoming*. They quickly formed a close bond, often posting playful photos together on social media. At the time, they insisted they were just "best friends" and co-stars, a narrative they would maintain for five years.

2017–2020: Rumors, Denials, and Subtle Clues

Rumors of a romance began almost immediately after *Homecoming* premiered, with sources close to the couple suggesting they were secretly dating. However, both actors repeatedly shut down the speculation. Zendaya notably dismissed a rumor in 2017, joking that she hadn't been on a vacation in years, let alone with Tom. During this period, they continued to promote *Spider-Man: Far From Home* and regularly attended events together, always maintaining a platonic front.

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July 2021: The Kiss That Broke the Internet

The relationship was definitively confirmed in July 2021 when paparazzi photos surfaced showing Holland and Zendaya kissing in a car in Los Angeles. This single, undeniable moment ended years of speculation and instantly cemented their status as a real-life couple. Following the photos, the two actors began to slowly acknowledge their relationship publicly, though they remained fiercely protective of their personal lives.

Public Affirmation and The Current Status (2021–2025)

Once confirmed, the couple began sharing more public glimpses into their private world, especially surrounding the release of *Spider-Man: No Way Home* in late 2021, where they openly discussed their mutual support for each other.

2022–2023: Red Carpet Moments and Mutual Support

After the *Spider-Man* press tour, their public appearances became less frequent but more meaningful. They were seen on low-key dates, often spotted holding hands or enjoying casual outings in London, where Holland primarily resides. In 2023, Holland was seen visiting Zendaya on the set of her various projects, demonstrating the strong, supportive foundation of their romance.

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2024: A Year of High-Profile Appearances

The year 2024 brought several significant public sightings, confirming their relationship was stronger than ever:

• February 2024: They attended the *Dune: Part Two* after-party together, a major moment for Zendaya's career.
• March 2024: The couple was photographed laughing and talking at the BNP Paribas Open in California, showcasing their relaxed, shared interests outside of acting.
• May 2024: Zendaya was seen leaving the Duke of York Theatre in London after supporting Holland at the press night for his stage production of *Romeo and Juliet*, a clear show of professional and personal support.

Late 2024/Early 2025: The Engagement Buzz

The biggest and most recent update to the "Tomdaya" timeline is the widespread report of their engagement. Multiple outlets reported in late 2024 and early 2025 that Tom Holland had proposed to Zendaya, and she accepted. While the couple themselves have not made an official, public statement, the news has been widely reported by major publications, suggesting a new, exciting chapter for the couple. This development marks a significant shift from their secretive beginnings to a commitment that solidifies their status as one of Hollywood’s most beloved pairings.

Furthermore, as of late 2025, the couple has been spotted together on the set of the rumored *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* project, posing for photos with fans and sharing sweet moments, indicating that despite their hectic schedules, they remain inseparable.

Why Did They Keep Their Relationship a Secret?

Their reluctance to confirm their dating status for so long was a deliberate choice rooted in a desire to protect their privacy and their relationship from the intense scrutiny of fame. Both Holland and Zendaya have spoken about the challenges of dating in the public eye.

In a 2021 interview, Holland expressed frustration over the loss of privacy when the kissing photos were released, stating that he felt their private moment had been "stolen." This sentiment highlights their preference for a normal, grounded relationship away from the constant spotlight.

Their initial choice to keep the romance under wraps was also influenced by the history of *Spider-Man* co-stars dating. They were keenly aware of the "curse" of the *Spider-Man* set, where previous leads like Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, and Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, also dated in real life, often leading to a blurred line between their professional and personal lives. By waiting until after the main *Spider-Man* trilogy was complete to go fully public, they were able to establish a strong, private foundation first.

The Legacy of Tomdaya

The relationship between Tom Holland and Zendaya is more than just a celebrity romance; it has become a cultural phenomenon, especially for the Gen Z audience. Their love story is celebrated for its wholesomeness, mutual respect, and the way they consistently uplift each other's careers—from the global success of *Euphoria* and *Challengers* to Holland's challenging stage roles like *Romeo and Juliet*.

The fact that they started as friends, worked together across three major MCU films (*Homecoming*, *Far From Home*, *No Way Home*), and have now reportedly moved toward marriage makes their journey a unique and aspirational Hollywood narrative. While the exact date they started dating remains a slightly ambiguous point between 2016 and 2021, the moment their romance became public in July 2021 is the true milestone that launched the "Tomdaya" era. As they navigate their reported engagement and future projects, this power couple continues to define modern, supportive celebrity love.