English actor Tom Holland, best known for playing Spider-Man, has disclosed that his dyslexia is a primary reason he has repeatedly declined invitations to host the iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL). The 30-year-old star admitted to being "petrified" by the prospect of reading cue cards live on air.
Holland Opens Up About SNL Fears
Speaking on the Good Hang podcast with SNL veteran Amy Poehler, Holland candidly shared 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 well 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."
Upcoming Role in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey
Holland is set to appear in Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film adaptation of Homer's epic poem The Odyssey, starring alongside Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, and his partner Zendaya. He described the job as "a dream come true." 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."
Support from Zendaya
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."
