Every actor faces the sting of rejection, even those who eventually ascend to the highest levels of Hollywood stardom. Before he became a household name, Tom Holland experienced a significant career setback that left him feeling genuinely frustrated. The actor recently opened up about his experience auditioning for the 2017 crime drama November Criminals, a project he once viewed as a potential turning point in his professional journey.
During a past interview with Backstage Magazine, Holland recalled how he was gunning for the lead role in the film, which was eventually awarded to Ansel Elgort. At the time, Holland believed the part would serve as his major steppingstone into a young-adult career. When he did not land the role, the disappointment hit him hard. He admitted that he spent time beating himself up over the loss and felt genuinely angry about the outcome.
Lessons in Rejection
The emotional weight of the situation was eventually lifted through a conversation with his father, Dominic Holland. As a seasoned author, writer, and stand-up comedian, the elder Holland offered his son a perspective on the nature of the industry. He explained that rejection is an inherent part of success, noting that if an actor won every single time, the victories would eventually lose their meaning. This advice helped the younger Holland process the disappointment and move forward in his career.
Looking back, it is clear that the rejection was a blessing in disguise. While Holland was disappointed at the time, he could not have predicted that November Criminals would become a critically panned production. The film, which also starred Chloë Grace Moretz, struggled significantly upon its release, eventually sitting on a shelf for years before receiving a limited VOD push. It currently holds a 0% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics noting that the script and performances failed to resonate.
A Different Path
The film follows the story of a teenager investigating the murder of his close friend, but it failed to find an audience or critical favor. Despite the presence of respected supporting actors like Catherine Keener and David Strathairn, the project was widely considered a misfire. It serves as a stark reminder of how unpredictable the film industry can be, where even projects with notable talent can falter.
For fans of the actor, this story highlights the resilience required to navigate the entertainment world. While he missed out on this specific crime drama, Holland went on to secure his breakout role as Spider-Man, leading to massive success in the years that followed. It is a classic example of how a missed opportunity can sometimes clear the path for much greater achievements.
Source: SlashFilm
