How did Jon Bernthal and Tom Holland influence each other’s auditions for their respective Marvel roles? What specific advice did Bernthal give Holland that he believes contributed to Holland landing the Spider-Man role? How did their shared experience on the film Pilgrimage play a role in their careers? What traits did Bernthal admire in Holland during their time together? In what upcoming projects are both actors reuniting?
A decade later, Jon Bernthal is recounting how he and Tom Holland helped each other land their life-changing Marvel roles. The Punisher star revealed that while working on their 2017 film Pilgrimage—preceding their upcoming reunion in Christopher Nolan‘s The Odyssey—he gave his young co-star a “note” that he thinks landed Holland the role of Spider-Man.
“We did a film about seven or eight years ago,” he said on Jimmy Kimmel Live. “That was where both Tom did his audition for Spider-Man and I did my audition for Punisher. We actually made each other’s audition tapes on that film.”
Although Holland was a teenager at the time, Bernthal recalled, “He had such focus and such belief, it was so beautiful. He would say, ‘I’m Spider-Man,’ I mean, he really believed he was going to get it. I was like ‘There’s probably a lot of people that want to be Spider-Man. I mean, you’re super talented and all, but the odds are kind of against you, but yeah, let’s make the tape.’
“He just had this belief,” added Bernthal. “And when you get to know him and see how he shows up, there is a reason why he is the movie star that he is.”
Bernthal jokingly added that he “will take credit that in his audition tape … I gave him the note, ‘Tom, maybe you should run up that wall and do a double backflip and then start the scene.’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, you think I should do that? That’s not too much?’ I was like, ‘I don’t think any of these other fools are able to do that,’ and he in fact did that. It’s not that I take responsibility for him, but you know, like a little something.”
After making his debut as Peter Parker in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, Holland continued his tenure as the web-slinger in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), as well as multiple other MCU titles. He will reprise the role in Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, both set to premiere next year.
Bernthal first appeared as Frank Castle in Season 2 of Netflix’s Daredevil in 2016, before landing his own spin-off The Punisher, which ran for two seasons from 2017 to 2019. He most recently reprised the role in the Season 1 finale of Disney+’s Daredevil: Born Again.
Jon Bernthal Helps Tom Holland with Spider-Man Audition Tape: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
In the competitive world of Hollywood, actors often find themselves navigating a labyrinth of auditions, callbacks, and screen tests as they vie for coveted roles. The superhero genre, especially, has seen its fair share of such contests. However, the narrative that unfolds behind the scenes can be as captivating as the characters themselves. One such story involves acclaimed actor Jon Bernthal, known for his intense performances, and the youthful talent Tom Holland, who would ultimately don the iconic red and blue suit as Marvel’s Spider-Man.
A Unique Mentor-Mentee Relationship
Their connection can be traced to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with Bernthal portraying Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher, in the Netflix series. His portrayal of the gritty character showcases the depth and complexity that Bernthal brings to every role. Tom Holland, on the other hand, has become the face of Spider-Man since first swinging onto the screen in Captain America: Civil War in 2016.
Before Holland secured his role as Spider-Man, he faced the daunting task of auditioning for the part, a high-stakes endeavor with immense pressure. At the time, Holland was relatively new to the film scene, having gained recognition through roles in projects like The Impossible and the upcoming film In the Heart of the Sea. He had the physicality and youthful exuberance necessary for the role, but every audition required him to showcase more than just talent; he needed to genuinely embody the character of Peter Parker.
The Audition Process
Tom Holland’s audition process for Spider-Man was notoriously rigorous. The role attracted a plethora of known actors, all vying for the chance to portray one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes. As Holland prepared for his audition, he found himself in need of guidance, someone who could not only offer advice but also help him tap into the essence of the character. Enter Jon Bernthal.
Their paths crossed when Holland was preparing for his Spider-Man audition, and he sought out Bernthal’s experience and advice. Bernthal was not only impressed by Holland’s talent but also recognized the importance of authenticity and depth in portraying a superhero. In a world where superhero films often rely heavily on special effects and action sequences, Bernthal understood that the foundation of a good superhero film is a compelling performance.
Coaching and Refinement
Jon Bernthal provided Holland with invaluable feedback as he worked on his audition tape. The former recognized the raw talent within the young actor and took it upon himself to help refine Holland’s understanding of the Spider-Man character. They worked together on various scenes, practicing the emotional beats and quirks that define Peter Parker. Bernthal, known for his deep character work, pushed Holland to delve into the emotional complexity that makes Spider-Man relatable—a teenager grappling with responsibility, loss, and the often overwhelming strain of his dual life.
Bernthal’s mentorship included not just technical acting advice but also encouragement for Holland to embrace his own interpretation of the character. He encouraged Holland to bring his youthful exuberance into the role, a vital aspect that made Spider-Man appealing to audiences. As someone who has dealt with his fair share of auditions, Bernthal understood the challenges and pressures Holland faced and led by example, drawing from his own experiences.
A Meaningful Outcome
The results of their collaboration were nothing short of spectacular. Tom Holland’s audition was a standout, punctuated by his charisma and fresh take on the beloved character. Holland ultimately won the role, marking the beginning of his presence in the MCU. His interpretation of Spider-Man resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying his status as the quintessential web-slinger for a new generation.
Jon Bernthal’s contribution to Holland’s success was evident, but it also exemplified something deeper within the acting community—a culture of mentorship and support among peers. Bernthal took the time to invest in Holland’s journey, proving that even in a fiercely competitive industry, experienced actors can uplift and guide emerging talent.
Conclusion
In Hollywood, the narratives surrounding the creation of iconic characters often go untold, yet they are critical to the understanding of the film’s ultimate success. The collaboration between Jon Bernthal and Tom Holland during the audition process for Spider-Man embodies the spirit of camaraderie and mentorship that exists, often behind the scenes. Bernthal’s willingness to support a fellow actor not only shaped Holland’s career but also enriched the Marvel Cinematic Universe with an unforgettable portrayal of Spider-Man.
As fans continue to enjoy Holland’s portrayal of the wall-crawler across various films, the legacy of mentorship within the industry remains a testament to the collaborative nature of storytelling. In an era where superhero movies dominate the box office, the human connections behind the scenes are just as important as the action on screen, highlighting the power of support and guidance in transforming dreams into reality.
Jon Bernthal played a significant role in helping Tom Holland prepare for his Spider-Man audition tape. Bernthal, who is known for his portrayal of The Punisher in the Marvel Universe, provided Holland with guidance and support during his preparation. Holland’s audition was a pivotal moment that ultimately led to his casting as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The collaboration showcased the camaraderie among actors within the superhero genre and highlighted the importance of mentorship in the industry. Holland’s successful audition helped him secure the iconic role, and he has since become a beloved character in the franchise. Bernthal’s assistance undoubtedly contributed to Holland’s confident performance and helped shape his interpretation of the legendary superhero.