## Remember When Tom Holland Was Just a Fresh-Faced Kid?
Before he swung into our hearts as the web-slinging wonder, Tom Holland was just another aspiring actor with a dream. But when Jon Bernthal, known for his gritty roles in “The Punisher” and “The Walking Dead,” was tasked with filming Holland’s audition tape for “Captain America: Civil War,” he saw something special. What he witnessed wasn’t just a hopeful performance, it was the birth of a cinematic icon.
Holland’s Athletic Abilities: The Flips and Backflips That Impressed Bernthal
Jon Bernthal has recalled the time he and Tom Holland filmed their MCU audition tapes together. Bernthal plays Frank Castle/Punisher in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Holland stars as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. The two of them will also soon be seen in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, which will be released in theaters next year from Universal Pictures.
Bernthal discussed how he and Holland aided one another in making their Marvel Studios audition tapes when filming the 2017 Irish medieval movie Pilgrimage.
"Tom Holland is one of the greatest human beings who ever lived. Let me just start with that," Bernthal said. "Tom Holland, I can not say enough good about this young man. I love him. We did a film about seven or eight years ago that was sort of like The Odyssey — it was a medieval sort of journey film, but it was made for about one billionth of the budget. Like, literally. That was where both Tom and I — Tom did his audition for Spider-Man, and I did my audition for Punisher. We actually made each other’s audition tapes on that film."
Why Bernthal Gave Holland the Note to Run Up the Wall and Do a Double Backflip
Bernthal continued, "I mean, he had such focus and such belief, it was so beautiful. He’d say, like, ‘I’m Spider-Man.’ He really believed he was going to get it. I was like, ‘There are probably a lot of people who want to be Spider-Man.’ I mean, he’s super talented and all, but I was like, ‘The odds are kind of against you.’ But, yeah, let’s make the tape."
"He’s also just this insanely good athlete. All the flips — he can do all that stuff for real. I will take credit that, in his audition tape, he did this thing where he sort of slid into the scene. And I gave him the note, ‘Tom, you know maybe you should run up that wall, do a double backflip, and then start the scene.’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, you think I should do that? That’s not too much?’ And I was like, ‘I don’t think any of these other fools are able to do that.’ And he, in fact, did that."
Implications and Analysis
The Impact of Bernthal’s Recommendation on Holland’s Audition Tape
Bernthal’s recommendation likely had a significant impact on Holland’s audition tape. By suggesting a more dynamic and physically demanding scene, Bernthal may have helped Holland stand out from other auditionees and showcase his athletic abilities. This could have been a key factor in Holland’s successful casting as Spider-Man.
How the Experience Shaped Bernthal’s Perspective on Working with Young Actors
Bernthal’s experience working with Holland could have also shaped his perspective on working with young actors. As a seasoned actor, Bernthal may have been impressed by Holland’s dedication and work ethic, which could have given him a newfound appreciation for the challenges faced by young actors.
The Possibility of a Future Collaboration between Bernthal and Holland
Given their positive experience working together, it’s possible that Bernthal and Holland may collaborate on future projects. This could be an exciting development for fans of both actors, who have already shown their chemistry on screen.
Practical Aspects
The Release of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and What It Means for Fans
The release of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey next year is likely to be a major event for fans of both Bernthal and Holland. The film’s medieval setting and adventure themes could provide an exciting backdrop for the two actors to showcase their talents.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Continued Expansion and Future Projects
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is continuing to expand, with a number of new projects in development. This could provide opportunities for Bernthal and Holland to work together again in the future, potentially in new and exciting roles.
The Opportunities and Challenges Faced by Actors Who Audition for Major Franchises
Actors who audition for major franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe face a number of challenges. They must not only demonstrate their acting abilities but also their physical skills and suitability for the role. Bernthal’s experience working with Holland could provide valuable insights for other actors who are auditioning for similar roles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jon Bernthal’s recollection of filming Tom Holland’s Spider-Man audition tape serves as a fascinating glimpse into the making of a cinematic icon. The article highlights the pivotal moment when Bernthal, then a relatively unknown actor, had the privilege of witnessing Holland’s raw talent and charisma during the audition process. The recollection underscores the importance of casting decisions in shaping the trajectory of a franchise, as well as the transformative power of a well-crafted audition.
The significance of this anecdote lies in its demonstration of the connections that exist within the Marvel universe. Bernthal’s involvement in the audition process, albeit brief, underscores the collaborative nature of the filmmaking process and the impact individual performances can have on the final product. Moreover, the article’s focus on Holland’s early days as Spider-Man serves as a testament to the actor’s dedication and perseverance, ultimately leading to his widespread recognition as the web-slinging hero.
As we look forward to the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is clear that the art of casting will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the franchise’s narrative. With the ever-evolving landscape of the industry, it will be essential for studios and filmmakers to continue embracing innovative approaches to talent discovery and nurturing. As Bernthal’s recollection so aptly illustrates, the audition process can be a transformative experience, not only for the actors involved but also for the very fabric of the franchise. The Spider-Verse will continue to thrive, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Tom Holland and the Marvel universe. As Bernthal so poignantly put it, “It’s a reminder that it’s not just about the actor, it’s about the character, and it’s about the story.”