Jacob Batalon considers 'Spider-Man' co-stars Tom Holland, Zendaya ‘family’

Jacob Batalon has spent nearly a decade working alongside “Spider-Man” co-stars Tom Holland and Zendaya. What began as a professional partnership between the Filipino-American actor and the real life couple has grown into a close friendship that Batalon considers them as family.

The  actor, whose parents are Filipino immigrants from Pangasinan, has been part of Holland and Zendaya’s Spider-Man journey since they first teamed up in 2017’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” The trio has since reunited for “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” giving Batalon the chance to watch his co-stars grow both personally and professionally over the years.

According to PEOPLE, Batalon, 29 has nothing but praise for Holland and Zendaya, describing them as hardworking, gracious and exceptionally professional.  “I’m really, really happy I can call them my family,” he shared.

Throughout the franchise, Batalon has portrayed Ned Leeds, Peter Parker’s loyal confidant and tech-savvy best friend. Ned’s bond with Peter (Holland) has become one of the defining relationships in the “Spider-Man” film series, making Batalon’s return to the role in “Brand New Day” especially meaningful.

The actor also credits “Spider-Man” with helping launch his career in the entertainment industry. Looking back on the past decade, he says the franchise gave him the opportunity to create, grow and be part of special projects. 

With “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” currently leading the global box office, Batalon is also open to reprising Ned if another Spider-Man project comes along. He says he would gladly return and believes the rest of the cast would be open to the idea as well.

Batalon recently married his longtime partner, interior designer Veronica Leahov. The couple announced their engagement in March 2025, and Batalon had previously referred to Leahov as his wife during a public appearance.