Popularly known for portraying the web-swinging superhero Spider-Man in the MCU, Tom Holland has an extensive resume that starts from his work on Billy Elliot the Musical. He has since grown to become a Hollywood star and a heartthrob ruling hearts of millions. While his MCU role did help him to get more opportunities as an actor, he has also proven himself with his performances in the films like The Impossible and The Devil All the Time. However, just like many other star actors, he also had to let go of some of the opportunities that could have taken his career on a different path.

The Spider-Man: No Way Home star was reportedly offered the lead role in the 2019 Sam Mendes film 1917. However, due to his busy schedule, he had to turn down the offer for the film, which would go on to receive multiple nominations at the box office, including Best Director and Best Picture.

Tom Holland Turned Down Sam Mendes’ 2019 Film

The 2019 war drama titled 1917 takes place during the events of the First World War and follows two British soldiers, Will Schofield, and Tom Blake, on a mission to deliver a message that can save thousands of their own comrades. The film was a commercial and critical hit and went on to gross over $380 million at the box office.

1917 also received ten nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards and won the Oscar for Best Cinematography. It featured George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman in the leading roles. However, director Sam Mendes wanted Tom Holland to portray one of the lead roles, Tom Blake, in his 2019 film.

But The Devil All the Time star had to turn down the offer as he was busy with the reshoots of his 2021 sci-fi adventure Chaos Walking. The Uncharted star featured alongside stars like Mads Mikkelsen and Daisy Ridley in the 2021 film.

Unlike 1917, it only managed to gross $27 million worldwide with a budget of over $100 million. Its director Doug Liman even described it as a “chaos walking” due to the constant story changes, reshoots, and the time it took to finish the film.

Tom Holland Could Team Up With Sam Mendes

Although the James Bond director was not able to get Tom Holland onboard his 2019 film, reports suggest that he is reportedly eyeing the English actor for his next movie. Insider Jeff Sneider recently shared on The Hot Mic Podcast that the Oscar-winning director has his “eyes on Tom Holland for his next movie.”

While it is unclear in which film he will be cast, neither the actor nor the director has confirmed anything regarding the rumor yet. The Cherry actor is reportedly busy with his fourth Spider-Man film under Marvel Studios. He has also been associated with the Fred Astaire Biopic, which is reportedly being directed by Paul King.

1917 is available on Amazon Video.