LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Tom Holland is all set to appear in the Apple TV+ show ‘The Crowded Room’ which is inspired by the real life incidents of schizophrenic Billy Milligan. The ‘Spider Man’ star, who is essaying the role of Danny Sullivan, is all set to showcase his acting chops in the television miniseries as is evident from the trailer of the show. While Holland has been in showbiz since 2012 through his debut movie ‘The Impossible’, one of his breakthrough roles came when he starred as the ‘Spider-Man’ in the Marvel cinematic universe. But Holland’s fans have a special person to thank for the role.
Well, that special person is none other than Robert Downey Jr, who not only played a pivotal role in Peter Parker’s life in the ‘Avengers’ movies, but also helped in establishing Tom Holland as a global superstar. When Holland was chosen to be the 'Spider-Man," he was just 18. But for that role, he has his ons-screen mentor, the ‘Iron Man’ star, Robert Downey Jr to thank for.
‘Gravitas and the confidence to be able to take on the mantle’
RDJ was intrinsically involved in the casting of the first 'Spider-Man.' He told British GQ that while all the actors auditioned for the role were good, it was Tom Holland who understood the assignment best. According to him, Holland could also grasp the gravity of the role "Spider-Man' brings with itself.
RDJ explained when he was asked why Holland would make the best Spidey, "The kid handled it. He was seasoned, good presence. I could tell he had good kung fu; he could roll with the punches and keep it more than interesting." In a true Tony Stark manner, the ‘Avengers’ veteran further continued, "Remember, I’d been testing with a bunch of kids that day. They shall remain unnamed, but they all did well and any one of them would have brought something else to the part of 'Spider-Man.' But why Holland? That’s your question, right? Gravitas. Gravitas and the confidence to be able to take on the mantle."
‘It comes down to being able to carry the mantle’
Tom Holland was selected not only for his ability to do kung-fu as RDJ mentioned. Rather he was selected for his dedication and the ability to carry the legacy of a character that has been previously played by the likes of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. RDJ continued, “Look, becoming 'Spider-Man' is a lot. So why does Tom Holland get to be 'Spider-Man'?” He further said that 'Spider-Man' is “the gold standard in the MCU” whereas according to him, 'Iron Man' was a less known character when he started playing it. He continued, “But 'Spider-Man'? Everyone knows 'Spider-Man.' Andrew Garfield did a good job. Tobey Maguire did a good job. So I ask you again: why does Tom Holland get to be number three?”
The ‘Sherlock Holmes’ of the films then answered his own question in a characteristic manner, “What happened at the casting isn’t irrelevant but it isn’t everything. Like I said, it comes down to being able to carry the mantle.” He then elaborated, “To be able to weather the trial by fire that rains down on someone when taking on such a thing. Marvel fans are wonderfully yet terrifyingly committed. They absorb all of you. They expect to. Becoming 'Spider-Man' is a bit like going down a K-hole: it’s easy to get lost in there. Add in the fact that you are worked relentlessly. It’s crazy. But Tom can handle it. I could tell. He’s a beekeeper.”
