Tom Holland, star of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, recently spoke about his experience with ADHD and dyslexia during an interview with IGN. He emphasized how play and creativity have played a vital role in navigating these challenges. Holland believes that engaging in creative activities helps him think differently and overcome difficulties, both personally and professionally.
The actor candidly shared,
“I think it really does help,”
when describing the importance of play.
“I have ADHD and I’m dyslexic, and I find sometimes when someone gives me a blank canvas that it can be slightly intimidating. And sometimes you are met with those challenges when developing a character.”
He further explained the benefits of creative thinking:
“So any way that you can, as a young person or as an adult, interact with something that forces you to be creative and forces you to think outside the box and make changes that might be in an instruction manual or might not be in an instruction manual just promotes healthy creativity. And I think that the more we do that sort of stuff, the better.”
Understanding ADHD and Dyslexia
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by ongoing patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, which can disrupt daily functioning. This disorder often begins in childhood and may persist into adulthood, impacting focus and self-regulation. Dyslexia, on the other hand, is a learning disorder that primarily affects reading and writing abilities.
Memorable LEGO Moments Linked to Spider-Man
When asked about his favorite LEGO memory, Holland recalled a significant moment tied to his role as Peter Parker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In the 2017 film Spider-Man: Homecoming, the character Ned unintentionally breaks a LEGO Death Star, a scene that left a lasting impression on Holland.
He shared,
“I think my favorite memory of LEGO would be Spider-Man: Homecoming. Jacob and I were becoming fast friends and our lives were being flipped upside down. And there’s that fantastic scene where Ned drops the LEGO Death Star and we were tasked by the studio to build one ourselves.”
“I just remember having really fond memories of sitting down with Jacob in my house, getting to know each other at the very beginning of this crazy journey. And it was rooted in making this LEGO Death Star, and we finished it,”
he added.
Holland also humorously referenced the construction of the LEGO model used on set:
“Our friend’s mom ended up helping us at one point, and I don’t think it is the one in the movie because they needed it to break in a certain way — so they built it without some of its infrastructure so that it would shatter better. But I remember that being a very, very poignant and fantastic time in that process.”
Behind the Scenes of Spider-Man: Brand New Day
In another interview with Barron’s, Holland described the excitement of filming for the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, expressing how exhilarating it was to portray the web-slinger once again. He pictured himself on a tank driving down Glasgow’s high street, surrounded by thousands of fans.
“I was on top of a tank driving down the high street in Glasgow, in front of thousands of fans and it was awesome. It was so incredible, it was exciting and exhilarating and it felt fresh,”
Holland said.
The film is helmed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for directing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, with a screenplay written by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. In addition to Holland, the cast features Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Michael Mando, Tramell Tillman, and Liza Colón-Zayas. Rumors also suggest Florence Pugh, star of Thunderbolts, has joined the ensemble.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled for release in theaters on July 31, 2026.
Significance of Holland’s Insights on Creativity and Neurodiversity
Tom Holland’s openness about living with ADHD and dyslexia sheds light on how creative outlets like play can support individuals facing similar challenges. His reflections encourage embracing unconventional thinking and adapting instructions to foster innovation. This perspective not only enriches how audiences understand Holland but also highlights the importance of nurturing creativity as a tool for growth.
As Holland continues his role as Spider-Man in the Marvel franchise, his experiences underscore the evolving conversations about neurodiversity in the entertainment industry and beyond. Fans can look forward to seeing how these themes might subtly influence his portrayal in the upcoming film and the importance of inclusive storytelling in Hollywood’s future.
