After yesterday’s announcement that Tom Holland had been awarded the role of Spider-Man, there has been a mad scramble to learn who this young actor is. While Appearing on BBC Radio 5 Live
Ron Howard, who directed teenager Tom Holland in his new movie ”
The Heart Of The Sea”, shared his thoughts on Marvels newest hero.
Howard, a veteran director and former child star himself was asked what Holland brings to the role of Spider-Man:
“Tom's young, incredibly agile and fit. He's also very accessible and very relatable. He's one of us and has tremendous skills as an actor. He'll bring humanity and heart and humor and energy." He also praised his work ethic and the experience, and training he gained going back to his time working on
Billy Elliot.
When questioned about Holland’s ability to handle a high profile role. Howard remembers his old friend Michael Keaton, and how he was an unpopular pick for the first Batman movie. Howard relates the situation this way. In regards to Keaton:
“Fans were up in arms and so forth, and Keaton turned out to be stunning, and people’s favorite of all time. Tom will face some of that, but he’s got a good sense how the film Industry works as a business. He’ll handle the pressure well, and give a good performance.”
High praises from Howard who has Directed 8 different actors in Oscar-nominated performances. What do you think , does this bolster your opinion of Marvel’s choice?
Listen to the clip in its entirety here at
BBC.Com.