By Hilary Fox, Entertainment Writer
LONDON (AP) --Tom Holland is trading in his Spidey suit for some tap shoes. The "Spider-Man" star told The Associated Press Sunday that he plans to play Fred Astaire in an upcoming biopic.
"Oh, I am playing Fred Astaire," Holland said at an event in London. "Yeah, I am."
Producer Amy Pascal recently said she wanted Holland to play Astaire, but Holland had yet to comment on the possibility until now.
While Holland's dance background hasn't necessarily been highlighted in his superhero films, the 25-year-old did play the title role in "Billy Elliott: The Musical" from 2008 to 2010.
Holland said he still needs to read the Astaire script, which just came in a week ago.
"I haven't read it yet. They haven't given it to me," Holland added. "Amy Pascal has the script. She FaceTimed me earlier. I was in the bath and we had a lovely FaceTime."
But before he steps into Astaire's shoes, Holland has another Spider-Man movie to unspool on the world: "No Way Home," which hits theaters on Dec. 17. Whether or not there's more Peter Parker in his future remains to be seen.
"I love this character more than anything. This character has changed my life. I have a relationship with my fans that is so wonderful. I couldn't ask for it to be any better," Holland said.
"But I want to do what's best for the character. If it's time for me to step down and the next person to step up, I'll do so proudly. You know, I'd love to see a more diverse Spider-Man universe, which would be really exciting. If I could be a part of that — if I could be the Iron Man to the next young Spider-Man or Spider-Woman, that would be great. But at the moment, all I have to think about is the character and what's best for Peter Parker," he said.
“Scandal” cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina
The cast of ABC's hit political drama "Scandal" may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as "Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on Nov. 17 to raise money for hurricane relief in western North Carolina.
Beginning Friday, fans can go online and donate to reserve a spot for the online reading. Proceeds will benefit United Way of North Carolina. Everyone who donates will be able to take part in a virtual pre-event with the cast and Shonda Rhimes will give an introduction.
Additional guest stars will also be announced. The online fundraising platform Prizeo is also holding a contest where one person who donates online via their site will be selected to read a role from the script with the actors. The winner should not worry about the "Scandal"-pace, assured Young over Zoom.
"Whomever the lucky reader is can read at whatever pace they want," she said.
Young, who played Mellie Young, the first lady and later Republican presidential nominee on "Scandal," was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She came up with the idea for the effort with a friend and took it to her fellow "Scandal" actors, who all jumped on board. Young said this is the first script reading the cast has all done together since the show ended after seven seasons in 2018.
Which episode they will be reading has not been announced yet.
Young said it's "been devastating" to see so many parts of her hometown badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina one month ago.
To research the best use for donations, Young spoke with numerous political leaders, including North... Read More