The Star Wars Audition That Almost Ruined Tom Holland’s Career—And Why He Can’t Shake It

Today, Tom Holland is one of the most recognized faces in Hollywood, swinging from skyscrapers as Spider-Man and leading blockbuster films with ease. But even the most successful actors have their stumbles — and for Holland, one unforgettable misstep came during an audition for one of the biggest franchises in the world: Star Wars.

Before his Marvel breakthrough, Holland auditioned for the role of Finn in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), a part that ultimately went to John Boyega. During a 2021 appearance on the YouTube series Hot Ones, Holland shared the story of what he calls his most embarrassing audition — one he’d certainly prefer to erase from memory.

The trouble started when Holland was paired with an actress tasked with reading the droid’s lines opposite him. Fully committed to the role, she began making “beep-boop” robotic noises during the scene. Holland, caught completely off guard, couldn’t hold his composure. “You’re not actually gonna do that, right?” he recalled thinking, before dissolving into a fit of laughter. Try as he might, he couldn’t stop giggling — derailing the audition entirely.

Despite the awkwardness, Holland later reflected with maturity, telling People that he didn’t believe the incident alone cost him the role. “I just remember thinking John Boyega was better for it,” he admitted, acknowledging that sometimes casting decisions are about finding the right fit, not just a flawless audition.

While Holland has missed out on other roles — including a low-profile failed audition for Peaky Blinders — none captured the same level of personal embarrassment as this Star Wars moment. The sheer visibility of the project and the surreal situation made it a standout memory, resurfacing across interviews and media outlets in the years since.

Ultimately, the failed audition didn’t derail his career — far from it. Instead, it became a lesson in professionalism, resilience, and grace under pressure. Just a few years later, Holland landed the role of Spider-Man, cementing his place in Hollywood history.

His Star Wars misstep remains a reminder that even future superheroes are human — and sometimes, even a galaxy far, far away is just one awkward laugh away.