Were Tom Holland and Zendaya Faking Smiles in Front of the Cameras During Rare Red Carpet Appearance?

Walking the red carpet together isn’t something Zendaya and Tom Holland do often anymore. But for the first time in four years, the pair did so for a Spider-Man: Brand New Day photocall. The two looked quite happy posing for the cameras as well. But was all that smiling on the carpet just for show?

Darren Stanton is a body language and behavioral expert. He previously worked as a police officer before moving into media and has been dubbed the “Human Lie Detector.”

Speaking on behalf of Covers, Stanton told Showbiz Cheat Sheet that Tom and Zendaya’s positioning on the carpet together shows “strong indicators of genuine comfort and familiarity. The body positioning between them is mirroring and matching, and they are turning into each other. It’s effortless.”

He added, “With them, nothing is staged or rehearsed. They seem completely natural. When [Tom] places his hand around [Zendaya]’s waist, it is not a performance. It is not a possessive gesture, and it’s very mutual. Tom’s body is consistently turning towards Zendaya. It’s like they are in their own bubble despite being papped by the cameras … Their smiles indicate their cheek muscles are engaged, and this means it’s not faked for the cameras.

“The distance is also very interesting. They eased into being so close so quickly on the red carpet. When Tom turned up, they naturally synchronized together. There are no signs of nerves or being a media couple. They are not giving standard positions, and what you see is what you get. They are a strong and committed couple, and they are showing all the signs that they are very much in love.”

Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.