“Spider-Man: Homecoming” has been heralded by critics as a return to glory for the web-slinger, with much of the credit being directed toward the franchise’s newest Peter Parker: London-born Tom Holland.
In the new film, Holland portrays a high school-aged Peter Parker who is still learning how to use his powers. But, as it turns out, Holland has had a lot in common with Spider-Man since well before he put on the iconic suit. The 21 year old beat out hundreds of actors vying for the coveted role, and it’s easy to see why.
In addition to reading lines, the actor told the Associated Press back in late 2015 that he made sure to show off his acrobatic skills on all the tapes he sent to the casting directors.
For a year and a half on London’s West End, Holland starred as the lead of “Billy Elliot,” a role that demanded as much from him physically as it did from him as an actor.
Holland recently shared a 2010 television appearance he made along with future “Game of Thrones” actor Dean Chapman where he is seen flipping across the stage as a 14 year old.
