Tom Hollandhas become a household name, starring inUncharted, Cherry,and of course,Spider-Man.But for all the roles he managed to bring to life, there were just as many that he either turned down or wasn’t offered (in fact, even his role as Peter Parkeralmost didn’t happen).
Sometimes, Holland’s recording schedule interfered with a new production, so he’d have to reject the new role. In other cases, another actor proved to be a slightly better fit. While most of these movies went on to achieve great success, it’s still fun to consider how Holland could have brought his unique charm, energy, and sensitivity to the roles.
6’Stars Wars: The Force Awakens' (2015)
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens
Star Wars: Episode VIItakes place 30 years afterReturn of the Jediand follows Rey (portrayed by Daisy Ridley) and ex-Stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega) as they try to track down Luke Skywalker (played by Mark Hamill). Unfortunately, the nefarious First Order, led by Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), is trying to find Luke first and make him disappear for good. Accompanied by favorites from the previous films, such as Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca, Rey and Finn find themselves fighting for the Resistance as they travel the galaxy to stop the First Order before it’s too late.
A Tough (but Hilarious) Audition
In another universe, fans might have seen Holland taking on Boyega’s role. According to an interview, he auditioned alongside a woman who was playing the role of a droid.He couldn’t stop laughingas she made “Bleep bloop” noises, which ultimately cost him the part. Notably, Holland wasn’t the only actor whohad a hard time during the audition.
5’Wonka' (2023)
The musical fantasyWonkais a prequel toWilly Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,starring Timothée Chalamet as the titular character. The movie follows his attempts to become a chocolatier and focuses on his friendship with Noodle, his meeting with the Oompa Loompa Lofty, and his quest to uncover the secret of his mother’s chocolate. Corrupt contracts, competitors, and attempted sabotage are just a few things standing in his way, but Wonka believes in himself and will do whatever it takes to make his dream of a chocolate factory a reality.
Two Sweet Options
Chalamet and Holland werethe last two in the running for Wonka. Donald Glover, Ezra Miller, and Ryan Gosling were also also considered. For director Paul King, however, Chalamet was always the number one pick, and he offered the actor the role without auditioning. While it’s unfortunate that Holland didn’t get the opportunity,Chalamet was a pretty sweet choice.
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4’Peaky Blinders' (2013 - 2022)
Peaky Blinders
In the aftermath of WWI, the Peaky Blinders gang, headed by war hero Thomas Shelby, comes to power in Birmingham. Tommy must combat rival gangs and evade Chief Inspector Chester Campbell as he tries to spread the group’s influence. Secrets, politics, and betrayals only put his ambitions further out of reach, but Tommy will stop at nothing in the pursuit of building his empire.
Still a Chance
Though it’s unknown what part he tried out for, Holland revealed that he had auditioned forPeaky Blindersand been turned down. All we know is that, whatever part he tried out for, it was a “big” one. With news of a movie in the works, it’s possible we’ll see Holland join the universe, as series creatorSteven Knight has offered the actora starring role.
3’Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' (2017)
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
A sequel to the 1995Jumanji,Jumanji: Welcome to the Junglefocuses on a video game version of the classic board game. Found by a group of teens over 20 years after the first film, the game traps the characters inside in the form of adult avatars. To return home, they must work with another player, Alex Vreeke, to return the Jaguar’s Eye jewel to a shrine and end Professor Van Pelt’s curse.
Welcomed to (But Turned Down) the Jungle
Holland was cast to play Seaplane McDonough, but the role went to Nick Jonas due toconflicts with Holland’sSpider-Man Homecomingschedule. To be fair, Jonas did a great job in the role, and of course, we wouldn’t have wanted Holland to turn downSpider-Manto take it. Still, in another world, we would have loved to see Holland’s take on the role as well.
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2’November Criminals' (2017)
november criminals
When their friend Kevin (Jared Kemp) dies in a shooting,Addison (Ansel Elgort) and Phoebe (Chloë Grace Moretz)are determined to get to the bottom of what
happened. Things quickly grow dangerous when they learn that Kevin was involved with a drug dealer. Still, Addison is determined to find out the truth behind Kevin’s death, even if it means putting his own life in jeopardy.
One Step Back, Two Steps Forward
Holland auditioned to play Addison Schacht, and he was devastated when he didn’t get the role. He had hoped it could be a stepping stone for his career. Fortunately, his father helped him to see the rejection in a different light, and Holland came to understand that losing out on a rolewas an important step all its own.
1'1917' (2019)
The British war film1917takes place during WWI. After learning about an ambush from the Germans,the heroic Lance Corporals William Schofield(George MacKay) and Tom Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are ordered to deliver a message to Colonel Mackenzie, calling off his attack. If they don’t get to him in time, 1,600 men, including Blake’s brother, Joseph, will be caught in the surprise attack. However, they don’t have long to reach him, and traversing no man’s land is no small task.
Chaos Walking
Holland was considered for one of the movie’s lead roles, but he had to turn it down to do reshoots forChaos Walking.Unfortunately, Holland’s movie went on to bea box office flop. On the other hand,1917proved to bea box office win.
