Every Spider-Man has to start somewhere.

Now, the actor who grew up playing the web-slinger is talking about helping the next generation take the spotlight.

WHAT HAPPENED

During a recent interview promoting Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Tom Holland spoke highly of 16-year-old British actor Owen Cooper.

Holland called Cooper "awesome" and said he would be interested in mentoring him, much like Robert Downey Jr. helped him when he joined the Marvel universe.

The comments quickly sparked talk online because Cooper has previously been linked to Spider-Man rumors and is seen by many fans as one of Britain's rising young actors.

Cooper became well known after his breakout role in the Netflix series Adolescence, where he played a troubled teenager and earned praise for his performance.

WHAT THE COMMENTS SHOW

Tom Holland called Owen Cooper "awesome."

• Holland said he would like to mentor Cooper.
• Cooper is 16 years old.
• Cooper gained attention through Adolescence.
• Fans immediately connected the comments to future Spider-Man casting rumors.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Is this the beginning of a Spider-Man handoff, or just one actor supporting another?

Many fans see Cooper as a natural fit because he is a young British actor following a path similar to Holland's. Others argue Marvel should move in a different direction entirely.

Some fans want to see Miles Morales become the lead Spider-Man on the big screen rather than introducing another young Peter Parker.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

For now, Holland remains Spider-Man and is promoting Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

But whenever a major actor publicly praises a young rising star, fans start wondering whether they are seeing the future of a franchise take shape.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

Has Owen Cooper ever officially auditioned for Spider-Man?

• How long does Tom Holland plan to continue playing the character?
• Will Marvel eventually introduce Miles Morales as its next live-action Spider-Man?