Tom Holland, best known for his portrayal of Spider-Man, made an appearance on the Good Hang podcast hosted by Amy Poehler on June 2. During the episode, Holland shared insights into his career and revealed his longstanding hesitations about hosting the renowned live comedy show, Saturday Night Live (SNL).
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The young actor disclosed that he has received numerous invitations to host SNL over the years but has consistently turned them down. The main reason for his reluctance, he explained, is his struggle with dyslexia, which complicates reading from cue cards. “I’m heavily dyslexic, which is one of the reasons why I’ve never done SNL,” Holland confided, voicing his concerns about the unpredictable nature of cue cards, a hallmark of the show’s spontaneity.
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that affects the way individuals process written information, making reading and associated skills notably challenging. Holland elucidated that, while he can read without issue, attempting to do so aloud provokes a significant mental block. “It just becomes, like, a mental block. And I can freeze,” he admitted, highlighting how this condition impacts his performance, especially on film sets during read-throughs.
The actor further explained that the days dedicated to script readings on set can be particularly daunting for him. To manage his dyslexia, he prepares extensively by highlighting his lines and learning them in advance. This strategy allows him to skim the script more effectively, reducing the pressure of having to read in real-time.
Reflecting on his past experiences with SNL, Holland described the joy he feels in being part of the show’s creative spirit, even if the thought of performing in that environment brings him anxiety. “I love the show, and I love the idea of having fun and making a fool of yourself in such a fun, creative way,” he said, but reiterated his fears surrounding the cue card system that SNL employs during live broadcasts.
Poehler, a former SNL cast member herself, offered some light-hearted encouragement by reminding Holland that many hosts have managed to perform under less-than-ideal circumstances. “You have to remember, there have been people that have hosted that have been fully on drugs… I think you can do it,” she quipped, aiming to ease the actor’s apprehensions.
Holland’s career continues to flourish, with a number of high-profile projects on the horizon. He is set to star alongside his real-life partner Zendaya in the upcoming film, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, as well as in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, due for release this July.
Interestingly, despite his hesitations about hosting SNL, Holland took a moment to reflect on a memorable moment that has garnered him considerable praise: his iconic performance of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” during an episode of Lip Sync Battle in 2017. He jokingly remarked that he receives more compliments for that dance than for any other project he’s undertaken.
In sharing his experiences and challenges, Holland opens up a conversation about the impacts of dyslexia in the entertainment industry. His story not only highlights the difficulties he faces but also serves as an inspiration for others navigating similar hurdles in their own lives.
Overall, Tom Holland’s candid admission about his struggles with dyslexia, combined with his clever humour and talent, underscores the multi-faceted nature of his career and personality. As he continues to entertain audiences worldwide, it is clear that Holland remains dedicated to overcoming his challenges, and perhaps one day, we may see him grace the SNL stage as a host after all.