Holland is positioning himself as a focused, evolved artist who has cleaned up his act and found purpose through BERO. The brand isn't just a business venture—it's a accountability tool that keeps him grounded while he navigates the biggest press cycle of his career with two summer blockbusters dropping weeks apart.
Insiders note Holland's careful word choices about sobriety suggest this is calculated image rehabilitation, not casual confession. The fact that Zendaya made a very public appearance to support BERO—her first visible event supporting the brand this year—is being read as quiet validation of their relationship and his personal growth. People close to the actor say he's been 'incredibly private' about the timeline.
Event took place April 29, 2026 at Pura Padel in Sherman Oaks, California—Holland's BERO brand hosted its second annual Padel Classic tournament with Simu Liu, Steve Aoki, Rainn Wilson, Jay Shetty and Diplo in attendance. Zendaya showed up to support him holding a BERO can. The Odyssey opens July 17; Spider-Man: Brand New Day opens July 31—meaning Holland has two massive films releasing weeks apart this summer.
Holland's sobriety reveal isn't just personal transparency—it strategically positions him as both a responsible brand ambassador and an artist ready for his most demanding year yet. With Nolan and Spider-Man back-to-back, he's playing the long game.
Tom Holland showed up to a parking garage at Sherman Oaks Galleria on Wednesday morning looking like a man with something to prove—and based on his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he has plenty to say. The 29-year-old actor was on hand for BERO's second annual Padel Classic, an invite-only tournament featuring talent across sports, entertainment and culture. Simu Liu, Steve Aoki, Rainn Wilson, Jay Shetty and Diplo were all there—but the real headline?
Zendaya showed up too, holding a can of BERO and supporting her boyfriend's venture without hesitation. "BERO's whole message is community and reaching out to people, friendship and hanging out with one another," Holland explained before the first ball was tossed. But this wasn't just about padel.
Holland spent 10 minutes with THR addressing his sobriety journey in his most candid interview yet—and the details are telling. "It would be incredibly unauthentic if I was trying to sell non-alcoholic beer while also drinking myself," he said, explaining how BERO has become what he calls a "great drive" for him to stay sober. "There's definitely a two bird, one stone situation here—I love the product, I love the brand, and I love the people I get to work with.
But it also has really helped me stay sober." Holland didn't stop there. He described how his life has fundamentally changed since getting clean: "I'm just a better version of myself. I am clearheaded and I'm able to work harder.
I think I do better work." The actor admitted he used to be someone who liked to panic—or at least, did—but now handles setbacks "in a much more gracious way" thanks to his new perspective. The timing matters here: Holland has two massive films dropping this summer—The Odyssey with Christopher Nolan and Matt Damon opening July 17, followed by Spider-Man: Brand New Day on July 31. He's already calling Nolan's work "mind-blowing," saying audiences will leave theaters "scratching your head" wondering how he pulled it off.
The press tour alone has him "daunted" by the travel and number of events ahead—but he's excited to learn from Damon and watch Nolan handle "every piece of creative we do for press and promo." As for padel versus pickleball? Holland chose his side decisively: "Padel all day." He loves that you can "really smack it" in padel, calling it more aligned with tennis—which he admits he's not great at.
Zendaya's mom apparently plays pickleball with him regularly, but Holland said padel gives him "that young kid's dream to play tennis at a high level." The BERO brand also just launched sleek glass bottles—Holland's biggest involvement is in marketing and branding, and he designed them specifically so non-drinkers don't feel "screamed at" or made to stand out in social settings. "My plan for BERO was to create something that people can drink in a bar with all their mates...and not be made to feel like they are standing out for the wrong reasons," he said.
With winners Team Shandy taking home $20,000 to donate to charity of their choice—plus $5,000 from Hexclad—the event was equal parts celebration and cause. But make no mistake: this is Holland building an empire while repositioning himself as someone who's got his life together before the biggest few months of his career. Whether that's strategic PR or genuine growth remains to be seen—but Zendaya's visible support speaks volumes.
