Tom Holland revealed why he has turned down several invitations to host Saturday Night Live. On Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, the 30-year-old Spider-Man: Brand New Day star admitted that his dyslexia makes reading cue cards on live television “so petrifying”.
I’m heavily dyslexic, which is one of the reasons why I’ve never done SNL,” Holland said. He explained that while he can read fine, reading aloud creates a mental block that makes him freeze. “My worst day at work is the read-through,” he added. To prepare, he highlights scripts and memorizes lines so he can skim instead of reading word to word.
Despite his fears, Holland stressed that he loves the show and its creative energy. “I’ve been really lucky that they’ve asked me a few times”, he said. “The truth is, I’m just scared at the prospect – I love the idea of having fun and making a fool of yourself in such a fun and creative way. It’s just that thing of the cue cards.”
Amy Poehler reassured him with humor. She noted that many dyslexics have hosted the show and joked that some past hosts were fully on drugs, suggesting Holland could manage it too.
For now, Holland remains cautious. His candid explanation shows how dyslexia can change performers in live settings – even those at the top of Hollywood.
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