A new behind-the-scenes photo from Spider-Man: Far From Home shows co-stars Tom Holland and Jake Gyllenhaal seemingly share a laugh. The sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming follows Holland’s Peter Parker as he attempts to balance the responsibilities of being a superhero with the desire to enjoy a simple summer vacation in Europe with his classmates. And while Quentin Beck (Gyllenhaal) appears to be a helpful presence at first, it soon becomes evident that the character has villainous intentions when he is revealed to be the devious Mysterio.

Upon its release, the 2019 Spider-Man sequel was praised by audiences and critics alike. Reviews particularly cited how the movie served as another example of director Jon Watts’ ability to tell a high school comedy within the confines of a comic book adaptation. Holland was also lauded for his performance as Peter, conveying the young hero’s vulnerability and uncertainty in the wake of Tony Stark’s death in Avengers: Endgame. However, a big part of Far From Home‘s charm came down to Gyllenhaal’s performance as the antagonistic Mysterio, and the chemistry he shared with Holland.

Related: Mysterio’s Best MCU Trick Was Copying Thor (Not Iron Man)

In a photo from the new book The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by author Tara Bennett (via Spider-Man: No Way Home News), the two actors are seen sharing a laugh between takes. Holland is in full view while Gyllenhaal is obscured by a clapperboard, with some of the film's crew also appearing in the background. The photo looks to be taken from Far From Home's pivotal bar scene, in which Mysterio reveals his true intentions after Peter exits. Check out the post below:

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Holland and Gyllenhaal developed a rapport while filming Spider-Man: Far From Home, with their interviews often emerging as a highlight during press interviews for the MCU sequel. Recently, Gyllenhaal spoke openly about the fact that he initially struggled to remember his lines as Mysterio. The Hollywood star specifically recalled that he was “freaking out” about being in a scene with Samuel L. Jackson. Gyllenhaal credited Holland with helping him get through his scenes, explaining he felt extreme pressure to perform well because of how much he loved the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its cast.

Some fans have criticized Holland’s Spider-Man franchise, noting that the movies rely too much on pairing Peter with an older mentor rather than allowing him to take center stage in his own story. Initially, Peter’s story was deeply connected to Tony Stark/Iron Man. After his death, in Spider-Man: Far From Home the teenager alternatively leaned on Mysterio and Happy Hogan. This trend ultimately looks to be continuing in the upcoming Spider-Man: No Way Home, which features Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange. And while not all viewers will agree with the approach, at the very least, Holland has shown that he is always able to create chemistry with the veteran actors he shares the screen with.

More: Spider-Man: Far From Home’s Identity Reveal Has A Hilarious MCU Consequence

Source: The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (via Spider-Man: No Way Home News)

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