Tom Holland on ADHD, Dyslexia, and Tapping into ‘Play’ for Spider-Man: Brand New Day

In the demanding world of Hollywood, where the spotlight can be both a blessing and a burden, actors often find unique ways to navigate their craft and personal challenges. For Tom Holland, the beloved face of Marvel’s Spider-Man, this journey includes openly discussing his diagnoses of ADHD and dyslexia, and how these experiences profoundly influence his approach to acting, particularly as he prepares for his highly anticipated return in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, slated for release on July 31, 2026.

Holland, known for his dynamic performances and relatable portrayal of Peter Parker, recently shared insights into how his neurodivergence shapes his creative process. Speaking with IGN, the actor emphasized the critical role of ‘play’ in his development of characters, a philosophy he believes is particularly special to him given his personal experiences. ‘I have ADHD and I’m dyslexic, and I find sometimes when someone gives me a blank canvas that it can be slightly intimidating,’ Holland explained. This candid admission offers a glimpse into the internal landscape of a performer who transforms potential hurdles into unique strengths.

Embracing ‘Play’ as a Creative Catalyst

For Holland, the concept of ‘play’ isn’t merely about recreation; it’s a foundational element of his artistic toolkit. He believes in tapping into his ‘inner child’ to unlock creativity, especially when faced with the daunting task of building a new character from the ground up. The blank canvas, while initially intimidating, becomes an opportunity for uninhibited exploration when approached through the lens of play.

‘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,’ he elaborated to IGN. ‘I think that the more we do that sort of stuff, the better.’ This philosophy suggests that structured play, or engaging with activities that demand imaginative problem-solving, can be a powerful antidote to creative blocks. For someone with ADHD, where traditional methods of focus might prove challenging, this fluid, exploratory method could be particularly effective, allowing his mind to wander productively and connect disparate ideas.

His journey with dyslexia, diagnosed at age seven, has also played a significant role in shaping his resilience and work ethic. While it primarily manifested as a struggle with spelling, it necessitated a different kind of effort during his formative years. During an appearance on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast in July 2023, Holland reflected on this period. ‘My dyslexia, it’s really just my spelling,’ he clarified, acknowledging the specific nature of his challenge. He credited his parents, Dominic and Nikki Holland, for their unwavering support, recalling their encouragement: ‘My spelling was really the biggest hurdle. I worked really hard at school. I didn’t do particularly well, but my parents said, ‘As long as you try your best.” This parental ethos of valuing effort over immediate outcomes clearly instilled in him a perseverance that continues to serve him well in his demanding career.

Inspiring a Generation: Neurodiversity in the Spotlight

Tom Holland’s willingness to speak openly about his ADHD and dyslexia extends far beyond personal reflection; it positions him as a significant role model for countless fans grappling with similar challenges. In a world that often misunderstands or stigmatizes neurodivergent conditions, his success stands as a powerful testament to the fact that these diagnoses do not define one’s potential. Rather, they can, in fact, offer unique perspectives and creative pathways.

His story resonates deeply because he hasn’t just managed to cope with his diagnoses; he has thrived in a profession that demands immense creativity, adaptability, and emotional depth. He embodies the idea that navigating neurodivergence can lead to unconventional, yet highly effective, approaches to work and life. By sharing his experiences, Holland helps to normalize these conditions, fostering a greater understanding and acceptance within the broader public. He demonstrates that thinking differently isn’t a deficit, but often an asset, particularly in fields that reward innovation and imaginative problem-solving.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day and the Weight of a Hero’s Return

Beyond his personal revelations, Holland is currently immersed in bringing Peter Parker back to the big screen in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. This marks his fourth solo outing as the friendly neighborhood web-slinger and his seventh overall appearance as the character since his debut in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War. The film promises a return to basics for Peter, following the dramatic conclusion of 2021’s No Way Home.

In that multiverse-shattering finale, Peter made the ultimate sacrifice: allowing the entire world to forget his true identity to save reality. While victorious, the ending was poignant, showing him visiting MJ (Zendaya) and Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon), neither of whom remembered their best friend. This memory reset also severed his ties with the Avengers and the advanced technology left by his mentor, Tony Stark, leaving him to rebuild his life and heroism from the ground up.

Returning to the iconic suit for Brand New Day carries a fresh weight, a sentiment Holland himself acknowledged in previously released behind-the-scenes footage. ‘You know, it’s funny, putting the suit on… It feels different this time, somehow,’ he mused, capturing the palpable shift in Peter’s circumstances. ‘I’m just going to do my best. Hopefully get it right. No pressure.’ This reflection hints at a more grounded, perhaps more vulnerable, Spider-Man, stripped of his previous advantages and forced to rely solely on his innate abilities and moral compass. This new chapter aligns well with Holland’s own emphasis on ‘play’ and adapting to challenges, as Peter Parker himself is now on a ‘blank canvas’ of sorts, needing to creatively redefine his role as a hero.

The film is set to be the next major MCU release, and the stakes are undeniably high. Fans are eager to see how Peter navigates a world that has forgotten him, and how he rebuilds his life and identity as Spider-Man without the safety nets he once had. Holland’s personal journey with neurodivergence and his approach to character development may well be an unspoken strength, allowing him to infuse Peter Parker with a nuanced understanding of navigating challenges and finding creative solutions in isolation.

Tom Holland’s open dialogue about ADHD and dyslexia not only demystifies these conditions but also enriches his artistic output, demonstrating that personal challenges can often be the wellspring of profound creative insight and resilience, making his portrayal of Spider-Man in ‘Brand New Day’ all the more compelling as he returns to a hero stripped down to his core.