A certified movie star; Tom Holland is immensely popular for his portrayal of Peter Parker/ Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, when he is not busy being a superhero, he is busy being a hardworking, dedicated, and infectious charmer. Groomed by Robert Downey Jr. himself, the young actor quickly rose to fame, and garnered himself a global fan following, making himself one of the most recognized faces in the world.
Despite the Uncharted actor having several professional achievements, he is an approachable personality, making him an immensely affectionate and likable figure. However, such qualities are not enough for him to portray the role of a young James Bond, and chances are that Holland might already missed out on the role of portraying the iconic character.
Tom Holland Might Have Already Been Overlooked For The Potential Role of a Young Agent 007
There’s no denying that the James Bond franchise is the most popular and renowned spy franchise in the world. The popularity stems from the iconic portrayal of the character featuring charisma, charm, and elegance. In each of the film, Special Agent 007 displays unmatchable style, and the wit necessary to successfully accomplish his missions.
Over the years, the character has been portrayed by big names like Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig, and many more. Each of them has one thing in common. No, we are not talking about their charisma and slick attitude, but they are all portrayed by veteran and experienced actors.
Many fans wonder, why the character is played by actors in their mid30s. This issue was answered by Debbie McWilliams, the casting director of Bond films when they tried the idea of casting a young James Bond actor.
During an exclusive interview with RadioTimes, the casting director explained how in 2006, many young actors auditioned for the role in Casino Royale, most of them were in their 20s and lacked the gravitas and experience needed to play the role. She said,
We did look at a lot of younger actors, and I just don’t think they had the gravitas, they didn’t have the experience, they didn’t have the mental capacity to take it on, because it’s not just the part they’re taking on, it’s a massive responsibility.
Since neither of the actors could meet their expectations, they had to pull the plug on the idea because one actor did not possess the two qualities needed to portray the role. Debbie McWilliams added,
So we kind of scrubbed that idea and went back to the drawing board and started again.
Tom Holland does have the experience to portray the iconic character, and it was evident as he portrayed his roles in the films. Every role of the actor is iconic and well-portrayed by him, especially his role in Uncharted.
However, the actor lacks the gravitas that makes Bond so iconic, and his timid looks just negate his chances to portray the Special Agent.
Tom Holland Gets Candid on His Hollywood Stardom
Tom Holland had a meteoric rise in Hollywood, and he believes that it was all because he was in the right place at the right time. The actor talked about his Hollywood journey recalling how he had no ambitions to become a film star, instead wanted to pursue a career in dancing.
While appearing as a guest on the On Purpose Podcast hosted by Jay Shetty, he explained how acting was something, he used to do as a hobby, and soon he landed a part in Billy elliot the Musical after he was spotted in his dance class, and he was also attended by an agent, who would later give him his big break.
He said,
Just by complete fluke, an agent came to see the show [Billy Elliot the Musical], the night I was on, she signed me, she sent me to an audition for a film, I was lucky enough to get the part. All of a sudden I was on set with Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts, and we made The Impossible… So I never really wanted this. I just sort of never stopped doing it and I love it.
Nevertheless, the Hollywood stardom doesn’t please Tom Holland because he wants “live as normal a life as possible,” spending time with his loved ones. Holland added,
I just am really really keen to focus on what makes me happy, which is my family, my friends, my carpentry, my golf, the charity that my mom runs. That is the stuff that makes me really happy and that’s the stuff that I should protect.
Despite not looking for a career in acting, he has become how he has become one of the biggest and most renowned actors of the industry.
Casino Royal can be rented on AppleTV.