Tom Holland Embraces the Power of Play in New LEGO Short Film

On a rain-soaked afternoon in the UK, Tom Holland has stepped away from the high-stakes action of Spider-Man: Brand New Day to talk about something unexpectedly joyful – LEGO. The actor, long known for his web-slinging heroics and his surprisingly versatile performances, now stars in a brand-new short film from the LEGO Group titled Never Stop Playing. Equal parts live-action and LEGO animation, the short champions the idea that play is essential not just for children but for adults too.

The film is barely two minutes long, yet it manages to showcase a kaleidoscope of Holland in multiple roles: a stoic space marine, a soccer star, an inventor, a cranky executive, an elderly man rediscovering joy, and even a literal LEGO minifigure. Much like his famously viral Umbrella lip-sync performance, the short requires him to inhabit vastly different characters in rapid succession. Each one eventually rediscovers the magic of play, underscoring LEGO’s central message – that creativity and imagination are vital no matter your age.

Play as a Lifelong Force

“I think it really does help,” Holland explains in his interview with IGN, reflecting on why play matters. “I have ADHD and I’m dyslexic, so sometimes a blank canvas can feel intimidating. Whether it’s approaching a role or tackling life, engaging with something that sparks creativity and forces you to think outside the box is invaluable. That’s what LEGO has always been for me – a way to embrace creativity without fear of making mistakes.”

For Holland, play doesn’t stop with bricks and minifigures. These days, it also takes the form of golf, paddle tennis, and even long sessions of online chess with his brother Harry. Sports and games aren’t just leisure; they’re part of how he maintains balance in his demanding career. “Playing keeps me grounded,” he adds. “It’s as important to me now as it was when I was a kid staging dinosaur battles with LEGO sets.”

LEGO Memories with Family

That childhood connection remains deeply tied to family. Holland fondly recalls competing with his brothers Harry and Sam to tidy their rooms, often sneaking LEGO dinosaurs into his displays to add extra flair. “It gave me an edge over my brothers,” he laughs. “And it made even chores feel like a chance to be creative.”

The new short film even reunites the Holland brothers onscreen. Harry and Sam appear as reporters questioning Tom’s soccer-playing character, a playful nod to their real-life sibling bond. “The pitch from LEGO included the chance to do something with my brothers,” Holland notes. “That made it special. Prada wasn’t going to call Harry and Sam, but LEGO did, and that says everything about their spirit of fun.”

Harry recalls long nights playing LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Indiana Jones on their Xbox, games that allowed them to finally share the same screen instead of fighting over turns. “We were competitive as kids,” he admits, “so LEGO was our battlefield.” Sam, meanwhile, emphasizes the importance of LEGO as a break from constant screens. “It gets you off devices and into building, talking, and imagining. That’s a lesson more kids need today.”

The Legacy of LEGO in Holland’s Career

Holland’s LEGO connection has often surfaced during his career. Longtime fans may recall an earlier IGN video where he reenacted a Spider-Man: Homecoming bank heist scene entirely with LEGO. But perhaps his favorite LEGO memory dates back to his early days on Homecoming, when he and co-star Jacob Batalon (Ned) bonded over building the massive LEGO Death Star set. “We were just getting to know each other, and our lives were turning upside down,” Holland says. “We spent hours piecing it together, even Jacob’s mom helped at one point. It wasn’t the same one that broke in the film – that one was rigged – but for us, building it was the start of a friendship.”

Play, Creativity, and Culture

The LEGO Group’s message with Never Stop Playing resonates far beyond Holland’s personal anecdotes. Play is often dismissed as childish, but psychologists and cultural researchers increasingly emphasize its importance in adulthood. Play relieves stress, fosters problem-solving skills, and builds social connections. For Holland, who balances blockbuster roles with personal challenges like dyslexia, it’s a creative lifeline.

This cultural shift is also reflected in broader trends. Adult fandoms for toys have surged, from LEGO to collectibles like Hot Wheels and action figures, now estimated as a $7 billion industry in the United States alone. What was once dismissed as nostalgia has become recognized as a meaningful form of recreation and even art. Holland’s short film plays directly into this cultural moment, legitimizing the idea that creativity and play are lifelong pursuits.

The Humor and Humanity of LEGO

Of course, the magic of LEGO comes with quirks. Holland jokes that failing to clean up bricks is “dangerous for parents’ bare feet,” a warning familiar to anyone who has stepped on a rogue piece. This kind of lighthearted honesty makes the project feel personal, not like a corporate ad. The fact that Holland’s family and memories are woven into the short only makes it more authentic.

In the end, Never Stop Playing is less about marketing and more about a philosophy of life. Holland’s diverse roles in the short symbolize the many stages of adulthood – from childhood curiosity to executive seriousness – and the reminder that joy, imagination, and creativity should never be abandoned. For a man who spends much of his professional life saving the world as Spider-Man, his message is simple yet powerful: sometimes, the most heroic thing we can do is play.

Looking Beyond the Mask

Holland’s involvement in this LEGO project also signals something larger. It’s a reminder that even for celebrities immersed in blockbuster filmmaking, creativity thrives on small, playful acts. Whether through LEGO, sports, or games with his brothers, Holland embodies a modern take on balance: that imagination, connection, and joy remain vital no matter how chaotic life gets. The short’s final note – that you should never stop playing – feels less like a brand slogan and more like Holland’s own philosophy. For fans watching, it’s a lesson as enduring as the bricks themselves.