Tom Holland Talked About The Red Carpet Tricks He Used To Make Himself Look Taller, And I Didn't Even Realize This Was A Thing

    “I’d do this thing on red carpets where I would stand closer to the photographers than the people behind me."

    Natasha Jokic
    by Natasha Jokic

    BuzzFeed Staff

    As you may or may not know, Tom Holland is a short king.

    Tom smiling at a red carpet event
    Mike Marsland / WireImage / Getty Images

    However, as part of his GQ cover story, Tom talked about feeling insecure about his 5'8" height — especially on red carpets.

    Tom poses for photographers on the red carpet of the Onward premiere
    Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

    “I’d do this thing on red carpets where I would stand closer to the photographers than the people behind me," Tom admitted.

    Tom standing slightly in front of Will Smith at the premiere of their film onward
    Gregg Deguire / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    As well as posing differently, Tom would also use shoe lifts — which are basically insoles that can make you look a couple of inches taller.

    Tom poses for photographers next to Chris Hemsworth on the red carpet
    Eduardo Parra / Getty Images

    Tom's Marvel costar Robert Downey Jr. also reportedly uses shoe lifts.

    Instead, Tom now prefers to focus on the things that he can change. “I cannot do anything about my height,” he added. “I can put on more muscle.”

    Tom poses for a photo inside an event with Zendaya
    Kevin Winter / Getty Images

    Tom's intention to put on more muscle certainly worked. Back in the day, he needed a muscle suit in Captain America: Civil War — whereas “Now I just have a penis cup,” he said.

    Tom as Spider-Man holding onto Zendaya's character MJ
    Jojo Whilden / Columbia Pictures / courtesy Everett Collection

    Oh my.

    Let's hear it for the short kings!!!