In a stunning revelation that sounds more like a Hollywood plot than real life, British actor Tom Hollander has disclosed he was once accidentally paid a seven-figure bonus intended for Marvel superstar Tom Holland.
The mix-up occurred while Hollander was working on a BBC project in a theatre, creating an awkward moment that highlighted the vast pay disparity between television and blockbuster film actors.
The Moment of Astonishing Confusion
Hollander, known for his roles in The Night Manager and Pirates of the Caribbean, described receiving an email containing a payslip for "Box Office Bonus for The Avengers" while watching a friend perform in a play.
"It was an astonishing amount of money," Hollander confessed during his appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. The payment wasn't for some independent film project but specifically for the Disney superhero franchise.
A Bitter-Sweet Realisation
The initial excitement quickly turned into what the actor called a "profoundly unpleasant" realisation. He soon discovered the payment was meant for the significantly younger and more famous Tom Holland, who portrays Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The incident highlighted the dramatic difference in earnings between character actors like himself and A-list stars leading multi-billion dollar franchises.
Frequent Mix-Ups and Misplaced Excitement
Hollander shared that the confusion between the two actors happens regularly, often leading to amusing situations. He recounted instances where he's been approached by enthusiastic children expecting the web-slinging superhero, only to be disappointed by the presence of a middle-aged man.
The actor also revealed he's frequently given free meals at restaurants by managers hoping he's the Spider-Man star, only to have the comps mysteriously disappear when his identity becomes clear.
Despite the occasional perks of mistaken identity, Hollander's story serves as a fascinating glimpse into the unexpected consequences of fame and the huge financial disparities within the acting world.
