Tom Holland is famous for playing Spider-Man in the new Marvel Cinematic Universe films, but did you know that he was almost in Star Wars too? And in the sequel trilogy, no less.
In a recent interview with Backstage, Tom Holland talked about how him losing roles to other actors made him a better actor. But, one of the actors he specifically mentions losing a role to is John Boyega. If you think that name sounds familiar, then congratulations, you’ve watched Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Or at least, you have heard of it and Finn the rebellious stormtrooper.
Tom Holland as Finn?
Tom Holland went on to describe the specific audition that he flubbed and lost to John Boyega. Or rather, the series of auditions. When asked if Holland had an audition horror story he could share with them, his response was:
I’ve had quite a few. I’ve read the wrong lines at the wrong audition before. I remember my audition for “Star Wars,” I was like four or five auditions in, and I think I was auditioning for John Boyega’s role. I remember doing this scene with this lady, bless her, and she was just a drone. So I was doing all of this, like, “We gotta get back to the ship!” And she was going, “Bleep, bloop bloop, bleep bloop.” I just couldn’t stop laughing. I found it so funny. And I felt really bad, because she was trying really hard to be a convincing android or drone or whatever they’re called. Yeah, I obviously didn’t get the part. That wasn’t my best moment.
Truly, Tom Holland was at a historical crossroads, and he didn’t even know it. If he hadn’t flubbed his lines, we could be seeing Holland’s youthful face in place of Boyega’s. But, would it really be better? Personally, I don’t think so. Maybe I’m just used to Boyega’s face as Finn, but I rather like the seriousness and drama he brought to the character. It lent a certain…gravitas to Finn. But, that’s just my opinion here.
Conclusion
Tom Holland had once auditioned to be Finn for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Ultimately though, he flubbed his lines, and thus the role went to John Boyega. Imagine how much more different that movie could’ve been had Holland been there? Or how little? There’s a reason why In Spite of a Nail is a trope, you know.
Source: Backstage
