Tom Holland’s portrayal of Peter Parker in the Spider-Man franchise proved to be a huge hit with audiences. He was praised for bringing youthful energy and a sense of humour to the role. Since being spotted at a local dance show by the choreographer of Billy Elliot, Holland’s career has blossomed over the last decade. His latest film, Spider-Man: Homecoming (out on Digital Download and Blu-ray™ now) was a global success, becoming the fourth highest grossing film of 2017 and breathing new life into the Marvel Universe. To celebrate the release, we’re taking a look at the performances that have been key to his success.
Billy Elliott the Musical (2008)
At the age of twelve, Holland made his West End debut in Billy Elliot the Musical as Michael, requiring eight auditions and two years of training. Later that year he starred as Billy in the show, receiving rave reviews for his performance.
The Impossible (2012)
Holland made his feature film debut in The Impossible, the disaster drama based on the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. Starring alongside Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts, Holland won several awards for the role, including a Hollywood Film Spotlight Award and Best Male Newcomer a the Empire Awards.
In the Heart of the Sea (2015)
Still fighting against the elements, Holland played the role of Thomas Nickerson in In the Heart of the Sea, the action-adventure drama film inspired by the novel Moby-Dick, and directed by Ron Howard. Holland’s co-star Chris Hemsworth revealed that the cast were put on gruelling diets of 500-600 calories to prepare for the role of starving sailors.
The Lost City of Z (2016)
Holland then starred in the biographical drama film The Lost City of Z, which was based on the life of British explorer Percy Fawcett and his search for an ancient lost city in the Amazon. Also starring Charlie Hunnam and Sienna Miller, the film was praised by critics, particularly for its stunning cinematography.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
In 2015, it was announced that Holland had been cast as Peter Parker/ Spider-Man. Then a year later, he made his character debut in Captain America: Civil War with a web-slinging entrance to Marvel fans’ praise. It went on to be the highest grossing film of 2016.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Finally starring as the lead in Spider-Man: Homecoming, Holland acted alongside a stellar cast, including Robert Downey Jr., Michael Keaton, and Zendaya. Winning three awards at the 2017 Teen Choice Awards, the film was both a critical and commercial success, praised particularly for its sense of humour and spot-on casting.
Spider-Man: Homecoming is out now on Digital Download, DVD and Blu-ray™.
