6 Iconic Roles Tom Holland Missed Out On That Could Have Changed His Career

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Tom Holland has gained widespread recognition, gracing the screen in films such as “Uncharted,” “Cherry,” and undeniably, “Spider-Man.” However, despite the numerous roles he successfully brought to fruition, there were equally many others that he either declined or did not receive (it’s interesting to note that even his role as Peter Parker almost didn’t materialize).

Occasionally, Holland’s recording commitments conflicted with upcoming projects, forcing him to decline the new part. On other occasions, another performer seemed more suited to the role. Although many of these films eventually became huge hits, it’s intriguing to speculate about how Holland might have infused his distinct charm, vigor, and sensitivity into those roles instead.

6
‘Stars Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015)

30 years after the events of “Return of the Jedi,” I find myself immersed in a new Star Wars adventure, titled “Star Wars: Episode VII.” As a devoted fan, I embark on this journey alongside two intriguing characters: Rey (brilliantly portrayed by Daisy Ridley) and ex-Stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega). Our quest? To locate the elusive Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), a man whose legend has only grown with time.

However, our search is not a simple one; the malevolent First Order, led by the enigmatic Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), is hot on Luke’s trail. Their ultimate goal? To silence him forever. Joined by familiar faces from the saga such as Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca, Rey and Finn find themselves at the heart of a struggle for the Resistance. As we traverse the galaxy, we must act swiftly to thwart the First Order before it’s too late.

A Tough (but Hilarious) Audition

In another reality, it could have been Tom Holland instead of John Boyega playing their respective roles. During an interview, it was revealed that he tried out for the role alongside an actress who portrayed a droid character. His laughter at her “Bleep bloop” sounds unfortunately affected his chances of getting the part. Interestingly, Tom Holland wasn’t the only actor who faced challenges during the audition process.

5
‘Wonka’ (2023)

The film titled “Wonka” serves as a precursor to the well-known story “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” This movie features Timothée Chalamet in the lead role as the character Wonka. The plot revolves around his journey to become a chocolatier, with an emphasis on his friendship with a character named Noodle, his encounter with Lofty the Oompa Loompa, and his mission to discover the secret behind his mother’s chocolate. Along the way, he faces challenges such as unscrupulous contracts, rival competitors, and attempts at sabotage. Despite these obstacles, Wonka remains determined and is prepared to go to great lengths to turn his dream of having a chocolate factory into a reality.

Two Sweet Options

Timothée Chalamet and Tom Holland were the final contenders for the Willy Wonka role. Other possibilities included Donald Glover, Ezra Miller, and Ryan Gosling. For director Paul King, however, Chalamet was his top choice from the start, and he extended the offer to him without requiring an audition. Although it’s disappointing that Holland didn’t get a chance, many think that Chalamet was an excellent selection for the part.

4
‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013 – 2022)

Following World War I, the Peaky Blinders gang, led by war veteran Thomas Shelby, ascends to power in Birmingham. As Tommy, he faces off against competing gangs and manages to elude Senior Inspector Chester Campbell who is determined to limit their expansion. The web of secrets, politics, and deceit only serves to thwart his aspirations, yet Tommy remains undeterred in his quest to construct his own empire.

Still a Chance

It’s unclear which character he was vying for, but recently, it was disclosed that actor Holland auditioned for “Peaky Blinders” and didn’t make the cut. What we do know is that the part he auditioned for was significant. With a film under development, there’s a chance Holland could become a part of this world, as series creator Steven Knight has extended an invitation to the actor to take on a lead role.

3
‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ (2017)

In 1995, the movie Jumanji was followed by its sequel titled Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. This film revolves around a video game adaptation of the original board game discovered by a group of teenagers more than two decades after the initial story. Upon finding it, they are trapped within the game and appear as their adult avatars. The objective is to collaborate with another player, Alex Vreeke, in order to restore the Jaguar’s Eye jewel to a shrine and thereby lift Professor Van Pelt’s curse, allowing them to finally return home.

Welcomed to (But Turned Down) the Jungle

Tom Holland was initially chosen for the part of Seaplane McDonough, but due to scheduling conflicts with his “Spider-Man: Homecoming” film, the role ultimately went to Nick Jonas. It’s worth noting that Jonas delivered an impressive performance in the role, and it would have been a shame for Holland to pass up “Spider-Man” for it. Nevertheless, we can’t help but wonder how Holland might have approached the character had circumstances been different.

2
‘November Criminals’ (2017)

Upon the tragic death of their friend Kevin (Jared Kemp), due to gun violence, Addison (Ansel Elgort) and Phoebe (Chloë Grace Moretz) become steadfast in uncovering the truth behind his demise.

The situation becomes perilous as soon as they realize Kevin had connections with a drug trafficker. However, Addison remains resolute in uncovering the facts surrounding Kevin’s demise, regardless of the potential risks to his own safety.

One Step Back, Two Steps Forward

Holland tried out for the part of Addison Schacht, but was disappointed when he didn’t get it. He had thought that landing this role might help kickstart his career. However, his father helped him see the rejection as an opportunity to learn and grow. In the end, Holland realized that not getting the role was a significant step in its own right.

1
‘1917’ (2019)

The war movie 1917, set during World War I, follows the story of two brave Lance Corporals, William Schofield (portrayed by George MacKay) and Tom Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman). They are instructed to convey a crucial message to Colonel Mackenzie, halting his impending attack. Failure to do so would result in 1,600 soldiers, including Blake’s brother, Joseph, being trapped in a sudden ambush. The clock is ticking as they need to reach him quickly, and navigating the dangerous no man’s land is no simple feat.

Chaos Walking

In the realm of cinematic opportunities, I was up for one of the lead roles in an intriguing film, but alas, I had to decline due to commitments regarding reshoots on “Chaos Walking.” Sadly, that movie turned out to be a financial disappointment at the box office. On the brighter side, “1917” emerged as a triumph, raking in substantial profits.

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2025-01-26 22:03