The Russo Brothers introduced us to arguably our best Peter Parker/Spider-Man when Tom Holland was ushered into the MCU in CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. The directing duo has consistently talked about Holland's talent as an actor and after working with him again in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR and AVENGERS: ENDGAME, they cast him in their upcoming crime drama CHERRY. In a recent interview with "ET Online", The Russo Brothers declared that they ready to start campaigning for an Oscar for Holland for his performance in the film.
"Count me on the list of folks who are ready to start the awards campaign today. I think everyone will be blown away when they get a chance to see the depth and versatility he brings to Cherry. He is a generationally talented actor."
This is a pretty interesting assessment and it sounds like the role Holland needs to prove his worth as an actor. Holland does have credits before CIVIL WAR, most notably in THE IMPOSSIBLE and IN THE HEART OF THE SEA, but most moviegoers have really only seen him as Spider-Man and while he's quite good in the role, it will be nice to see him show off some range. Judging from the character he plays in CHERRY, it looks like range is exactly what he'll be showing off. In the film, Holland plays the role of an Army medic with PTSD who becomes addicted to opioids and resorts to robbing banks to pay for his addiction. This sounds like a far cry from our "friendly neighborhood Spider-Man." This isn't the first time that the filmmaking duo sang Holland's praises for his performance in the film. Back in April, Joe Russo had this to say about his Oscar potential:
"I think it's an Oscar-worthy performance. I think he is absolutely amazing in it. He gives a gut-wrenching performance. What he does to himself emotionally and physically is unbelievable. We haven't seen an actor in a role like this in a while. The movie spans a decade, complemented by an epic performance. And one that I certainly hope will be in the Oscar conversation."
I think I'm sold on this one. I love seeing actors play against type and this sounds like exactly what Holland does in the film. We also know that Holland is in good company in the film. CHERRY also stars Bill Skarsgard, Jack Reynor, Forrest Goodluck, Jeff Wahlberg, Michael Gandolfini, and Kyle Harvey. The Russo Brothers have said they are looking at a late fall release for the film if the conditions of the movie theaters improve by then given the current uncertainty in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Are YOU excited to see Tom Holland's performance in CHERRY?