British actor Tom Holland, 21, is currently one of the popular names in Hollywood thanks to his role as Spider-Man. Holland first appeared as Spider-Man in "Captain America: Civil War" last year. Holland has previously appeared in West End’s Musical “Billy” in 2008 and on other Hollywood films such as “The Impossible” and “In the Heart of the Sea.”
Tom Holland signed a six-picture deal with Marvel Studios including the upcoming "Avengers: Infinity War" and it’s sequel and a sequel to "Spider-Man: Homecoming."
Gymnastics and dancing
Spider-Man is not as buffed and muscular as the other superheroes like Captain America and Thor.
He is, by the way, just a 15-year-old lanky kid from the Bronx who suddenly got super powers. Spider-Man needed to be light, agile and flexible.
Tom Holland is just that, he is light, agile and flexible. Holland has a very athletic and physical background. He is known to do gymnastics, dancing, basketball, and surfing among other activities. Holland has been practicing gymnastics since he was young and studied dancing for his role in the musical “Billy”, where he was cast lead role.
The Spider-Man actor definitely has moves proven by his appearance and fantastic performance in Spike’s “Lip Sync Battle”. He went up against his co-star Zendaya and danced and lip-synched to a mash-up of Singin’ in the Rain and Umbrella by Rihanna.
His performance showcased his Broadway moves and even did some awesome flips by the end, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
Helping him bag the role
Tom Holland’s physical activities helped him bag the role of Spider-Man. In a Press Conference in New York for the film, the actor mentioned that his dancing and gymnastics backgrounds were very helpful to the project.
Fans can see more of his gymnastics ability on his Instagram account where he posts videos of him doing crazy stunts.
When the actor heard of the recasting for the Spider-Man role, he asked his agents to get him an audition where he was asked to do a self-tape. “I was like, ‘Hi, I’m Tom Holland.’ Backflip. ‘I’m from London.’ Side flip.
‘I’m five-foot-seven.’ Front flip. I had a lot of fun making those tapes” the actor said.
His activities helped him achieve the flexibility, balance, and endurance he needed for all the running, jumping and climbing he did for the role. According to Joe Russo’s interview with "Entertainment Weekly", the actor does most of his own stunts. Like his iconic entry flip in "Captain America: Civil War."
Spider-Man was originally played by Tobey Maguire in the 3 film series, from 2002 to 2009 and Andrew Garfield in the remake “The Amazing Spider-Man” from 2012 to 2014.
