‘Spider-Man’ Tom Holland said playing a mentally ill character in the horror series ‘The Crowded Room’ made him struggle to escape the role.
The 27-year-old British star, best known for his role as Spider-Man, is set to return to the horror series The Crowded Room , which he stars in and produces. In the film, Tom Holland plays a character based on the real-life “Campus Rapist” Billy Milligan.
This was a famous case in the US when the suspect claimed to have 24 alternate personalities and was the first individual to be found not guilty by reason of insanity on the basis of dissociative identity disorder. This is a role that was previously successfully played by actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
Tom Holland ‘overloaded’ with multiple personality role
Tom Holland’s portrayal of psychopath Billy Milligan
Sharing with Extra on June 7, Tom Holland said he enjoyed learning to become a producer, but taking on the dual responsibilities of producing and playing a mentally ill person overwhelmed Tom Holland.
“It was definitely a difficult time,” he added. “I was exploring certain emotions that I definitely hadn’t experienced before.
And on top of that, as a producer, dealing with the day-to-day issues that come up on any film only adds to the pressure,” the young star confided.
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Speaking to Entertainment Weekly in May, the Spider-Man star said The Crowded Room left him struggling to break free from the role. Tom even considered shaving his head to “break free” of the character.
Despite his love for his role in The Crowded Room , Holland literally collapsed. “I decided to take a year off,” he added. During this hiatus, the actor will rest, travel, play golf, and meet family and friends.
Tom Holland admits to being “exhausted” after playing a character with 24 personalities
“You know, when I have free time, I’ll go buy plants and take care of them. I’m just trying to be a normal person. I need to relax.”
The Spider-Man star has always been conscious of protecting his mental health in the public eye, including taking breaks from social media and getting sober.
In 2021, Tom said he was considering quitting acting altogether. “I don’t even know if I want to be an actor…
I started acting when I was 11 and I haven’t done anything else. So I want to stop and do other things. Honestly, I’m almost having a mid-life crisis – at 25.”
