Spider-Man star Tom Holland has disclosed that his dyslexia is a primary reason he has consistently declined invitations to host the popular sketch show Saturday Night Live (SNL). The 30-year-old English actor admitted to being 'petrified' by the prospect of reading cue cards live on air.
Speaking to SNL veteran Amy Poehler on her Good Hang podcast, Holland explained: 'I’m heavily dyslexic which is one of the reasons why... I’ve never done SNL. 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.'
Holland described his 'worst day at work' as the read-through, 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,' he 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... 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, alongside Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, and his partner Zendaya. He described the job as 'a dream come true,' though he noted it was 'one of the toughest jobs I ever had.' He lauded Nolan as 'an absolute dream' and 'so fun to work for,' adding that the crew is 'without a doubt the best that I have ever worked with.'
The actor also spoke about the invaluable support he receives from Zendaya, calling her 'the best actor going' with 'something special.' He highlighted the challenges of the industry and the importance of having someone who understands: '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. It’s a lifeline. It really is. I couldn’t imagine doing what I do without her.'
