Tom Holland, renowned for his role as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, once made a surprising cameo in J.A. Bayona’s film, “A Monster Calls,” playing a role quite different from his superhero persona.
Behind-the-Scenes Support: In a lesser-known contribution to the film industry, Tom Holland extended his assistance to his friend and filmmaker J.A. Bayona on the set of “A Monster Calls.” For this generous contribution, he received a “thank you” credit in the film.
Unconventional Role: Contrary to expectations, Holland’s role in the movie was not a typical on-screen character. Instead, he worked behind the scenes as a stand-in for the titular monster, a humanoid tree. The revelation came from J.A. Bayona himself during a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter.
A Stand-In for the Monster: During the production of “A Monster Calls,” Tom Holland served as a stand-in for the character that would later be digitally inserted through post-production. While Liam Neeson provided the voice for the monster, Holland’s physical presence during filming allowed the young actor Lewis MacDougall to interact with a tangible figure on set.
Benefit for Young Actor: Lewis MacDougall, who portrayed the movie’s main character, Conor, expressed how having Holland as the stand-in for the monster was beneficial. “It gave me something to look at when I’m talking to the monster,” said MacDougall. This unconventional approach provided authenticity to the scenes and aided in the emotional depth of the film.
About “A Monster Calls”: Directed by J.A. Bayona, “A Monster Calls” is an adaptation of the novel by Patrick Ness. The movie, with an IMDb rating of 7.4/10, delves into the story of 12-year-old Conor, played by Lewis MacDougall, as he grapples with challenges surpassing those of other boys his age. The visually spectacular and emotionally charged drama earned critical acclaim and was featured at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Tom Holland’s unexpected role as a stand-in for the monster showcases his versatility and willingness to contribute to filmmaking in various capacities, emphasizing his commitment to the craft beyond his on-screen performances.