Spider-Man star Tom Holland has revealed that his dyslexia is one of the key reasons he has consistently turned down offers to host the popular sketch show Saturday Night Live (SNL).
The 30-year-old English actor, best known for his portrayal of Peter Parker, admitted to being “petrified” by reading cue cards live on air.
Speaking to SNL veteran Amy Poehler on her Good Hang podcast, Holland candidly discussed his struggles.
“I’m heavily dyslexic which is one of the reasons why… I’ve never done SNL,” he explained. “I’m just so petrified at the concept of trying to read something and they change.”
He clarified that while he “can read fine”, reading aloud presents a “mental block” that can cause him to “freeze.” His “worst day at work is the read-through”, he added, detailing how he highlights and learns lines in advance to “skim” rather than read.
Despite feeling “really lucky” that SNL has approached him “a few times”, Holland confessed he remains “just really scared” of the live reading requirement.
He expressed admiration for the show, stating, “I love the show and I love the idea of having fun and making a fool of yourself in such a fun, creative way. It’s just that thing of the cue cards.”
Holland is also set to appear in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, where he stars alongside Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, and his partner Zendaya. He described the job as “a dream come true”.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Reflecting on the demanding production, Holland stated: “I think The Odyssey, the most recent film we did, was one of the toughest jobs I ever had.”
Despite the challenge, he lauded Nolan as “an absolute dream” and “so fun to work for,” adding, “it’s a delight. I absolutely loved working for him. I admire him beyond belief. His crew is without a doubt the best that I have ever worked with.”
He characterised the set as “a very focused place” where the goal was “to create something that has never been done before.”
The actor also spoke about the invaluable support he receives from Euphoria star Zendaya, calling her “the best actor going” with “something special.”
He highlighted the challenges of the industry, from comfortable film sets to demanding press tours.
“It’s so nice to have someone that understands that in such a personal way so that you can talk each other down or you can big each other up,” he shared.
Holland concluded by emphasising her crucial role: “It’s a lifeline. It really is. I couldn’t imagine doing what I do without her.”