Tom Holland is taking a year off after his new film ‘broke’ him

Actor’s role in ‘The Crowded Room’ is based on Billy Milligan, who had dissociative identity disorder

Tom Holland, the acclaimed actor known for his portrayal of Spider-Man, has announced that he will be taking a year-long break from acting, reports Variety. This comes after the physically and emotionally demanding production of the Apple TV+ crime thriller series, The Crowded Room. In an interview with Extra, Holland revealed the toll that the show took on him, both as an actor and a producer.

Acknowledging his strong work ethic, Holland explained, "I'm no stranger to hard work...Then again, the show did break me. There did come a time where I needed a break and disappeared and went to Mexico for a week and had time on a beach and laid low. I’m now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was. I am excited to see how it turns out. I feel like our hard work wasn’t in vain.”

Playing the lead role of Danny Sullivan, a character based on the real-life person Billy Milligan who had dissociative identity disorder, Holland delved into unexplored emotional depths. He shared that the experience was challenging, pushing him beyond his previous boundaries. The added responsibility of being a producer on the project further increased the pressure he faced on a daily basis.

The actor stated, “It was a tough time, for sure. We were exploring certain emotions that I have definitely never experienced before. And then on top of that, being a producer, dealing with the day-to-day problems that come with any film set, just added that extra level of pressure.”

While Holland acknowledged his love for the learning curve of becoming a producer, the combination of juggling two roles and portraying a character dealing with severe mental health issues became overwhelming. The demanding nature of the show led to a breaking point for the actor.

In a previous interview with Entertainment Weekly, Holland opened up about the impact the show had on his personal life. “I was seeing myself in [the character], but in my personal life,” Holland recalled. “I remember having a bit of a meltdown at home and thinking, like, ‘I’m going to shave my head. I need to shave my head because I need to get rid of this character.’ And, obviously, we were mid-shooting, so I decided not to… It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before.”

Holland disclosed to EW that he has remained sober for one year and four months, crediting the series with helping him shift his perspective on mental health. The process of researching Danny and Billy's struggles and speaking with psychiatrists during the preparation for the role proved to be informative and transformative for the actor.

“Learning about mental health and the power of it, and speaking to psychiatrists about Danny and Billy’s struggles, has been something that has been so informative to my own life,” the actor said, highlighting that he is now able to “recognize triggers” like social media that contribute to stress.

As Holland takes a well-deserved break from acting, fans eagerly anticipate the premiere of The Crowded Room, which promises to be a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of mental health and the complexities of the human mind. It is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on June 9 and features a talented ensemble cast, including Amanda Seyfried, Sasha Lane, Will Chase, Lior Raz, Laila Robins, Christopher Abbott, and Henry Eikenberry.

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