Tom Holland Reveals How Benedict Cumberbatch Helped Him Master Crying On Cue

Tom Holland, known for his role as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently opened up about a valuable acting lesson he learned from fellow Marvel star Benedict Cumberbatch. The trick? A practical, on-set technique to cry on cue—without having to dredge up personal memories or emotions.

Speaking during a SAG-AFTRA Foundation Q&A, Holland shared that he once struggled to cry convincingly both on- and off-camera, a challenge that was impacting his performances. Inspired by watching Cumberbatch’s emotional scene in The Imitation Game, Holland approached the veteran actor for advice on how to break through this hurdle.

Cumberbatch’s method, as Holland explains, involves using physical triggers rather than emotional recall:

• Simulate laughter: Start by mimicking the physical act of laughing.

• Breathe rapidly: Take quick, shallow breaths to stimulate the body’s emotional response.

• Ride the wave: Once tears begin to form, let the natural momentum carry through the scene.

This straightforward technique helped Holland regain confidence in his ability to cry on screen without needing to rely on painful or personal memories. He now views crying scenes as a strength in his acting toolkit, crediting Cumberbatch’s advice with enhancing his performances.

By learning this method, Holland not only improved his craft but also found a healthier and more practical way to access emotion—proving that sometimes the best acting lessons come from a fellow actor’s experience and wisdom.