Tom Holland has lamented leaving his childhood dancing career behind.
Years before he broke out as a major Hollywood actor, Holland was working on London’s West End, dancing in Billy Elliot: The Musical at only 12 years old. He made his debut as Billy’s best friend, Michael Caffrey, before taking over the title role.
Although he’s primarily focused on acting now, starring in two highly anticipated films this year — Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey —he said on Tuesday’s episode of Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast that he has missed dancing.
“I think my biggest regret in my career so far is that when I finished [Billy Elliot: The Musical], I quit dancing,” Holland, who took classes at the Nifty Feet Dance School as a kid, said. “I just, you know, would dance at a club or something, but wouldn’t go and take class.”
However, he recently returned to his roots for the first rehearsal of the untitled Fred Astaire biopic, in which Holland portrays the legendary dancer.
“And the thing I love most about my job is that you can book a film and learn all of these amazing skills from the best people in the business,” he added. “And to be able to do that again and pick up dancing from square one and try to get back into it, I think it’s going to be so fulfilling.”
He opened up about starring in the Paul King-directed film, saying: “I’ve been very nervous about the idea of making that film just because you know it’s s going to be a huge undertaking from a prep point of view, and it’s also a big risk. It’s a big movie. But after that rehearsal, any fears I had or questions of ‘Should I be making this movie?’ completely left the room.”
The Uncharted star has previously spoken about his upcoming career plans. During a recent interview with Empire, Holland — who has played Peter Parker since 2016 film Captain America: Civil War — said he will eventually help pass the superhero role to a worthy successor.
“For whoever’s next, whether that is a Miles Morales or a Spider-Gwen or a Spider-Woman or something like that, I would love to be a part of setting up the next chapter,” he said. “Whatever that looks like, I don’t know. But if I could do what [Robert Downey Jr.] did for me, then I would be so content swinging off into the sunset.”
Downey Jr., who played Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, introduced Holland’s Spider-Man to the universe in Civil War. Holland went on to headline three Spider-Man films and appear in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
