FROM ZERO TO FLASH: TONY REVOLORI ON HIS MOST ICONIC ROLES

Born to Guatemalan parents in the suburban city of Anaheim, California, Tony Revolori made his acting debut when he was just two years old. His big break in Hollywood came 16 years later when he was chosen ahead of his brother to play the bellhop Zero in Wes Anderson’s comedy-drama The Grand Budapest Hotel. He’s now probably most well-known as Flash Thompson from Spider-Man, a role he’s set to reprise in No Way Home, the latest installment in the series out later this year.

Wanting to hear about how he got that role, his thoughts on racial diversity in L.A. and his passion for photography, we recently sat down for a chat with the talented 25-year-old actor.

Photographed by Annemarie Sterian, styled by Amisha Kapadia and interview by Matthew Hernon.

How did you first get into acting?

My dad was looking for a job in Los Angeles when someone grabbed him and enquired about a commercial as they needed someone Spanish-looking. He loved the experience and decided it would be a good thing for my brother and I to do as well. I think we did our first advert for Gerber Baby and things slowly evolved from there. At the same time, my parents were keen to give us both options. We did creative writing, painting, played instruments and sports. At 13, my father sat me down and asked which one I liked most. I chose acting and so did my brother.

Were you competitive growing up?

Yes, but more from him than me (laughs). There were things he was clearly better at such as football and playing the guitar. Like any brothers, we’d play video games and anger would ensue, but when it came to jobs, we’ve always been supportive of each other. Everyone knows the role of Zero in The Grand Budapest Hotel was down to the two of us. When I booked it, he was the first person I told. He gave me the biggest hug and we read together as we always do when we get roles. There’s still a competitive element, but it’s a healthy one. More than anything, we’re constantly helping each other.

Who was your acting hero growing up?

Richard Harris. He was phenomenal. My dad was a big fan of his religious movies such as The Bible and Abraham, so I became aware of him from a young age. He was incredible in films like The Field and of course Harry Potter, but my favorite was The Count of Monte Cristo. The more I heard about the kind of stuff he got up to off screen the more it made me like him. I had the same driver for Spider-man 2 as he had for Harry Potter and he told me that he…