Even those who have never queued for a midnight premiere could identify the Spider-Men of cinema; the red-and-blue suit is practically universal shorthand. This generation’s Spider-Man, Tom Holland, has masterfully captured both the quippy 'friendly neighborhood' charm and the awkward teenage heart of Peter Parker, making the role instantly recognizable. Curiously, Zendaya’s Dune co-star Timothée Chalamet once tried for the very role

The Academy-nominee, however, fell short due to an unexpected and, now-ironic skillset.

In a throwback appearance at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, Timothée Chalamet revealed to THR that he auditioned twice for the role of Spider-Man. Despite his efforts, according to multiple accounts from the Russo Brothers, Tom Holland swung past the competition. His ballet and acrobatic training for Billy Elliot the musical gave him unrivaled agility.

“I read twice, and I left sweating in a total panic," said Chalamet as he recounted how he called his agent, Brian Swardstrom, in a state of panic. While he did not blame Holland for that, it seems like ballet, the skill that tipped the scales, apparently earns little applause from him.

Timothée Chalamet recently ignited a major backlash after publicly downplaying ballet and opera as art forms with little audience interest. The comments drew criticism from fans online and caught the attention of stars such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Doja Cat, the latter later taking back her initial response.

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While ballet may not be high on Chalamet’s list of favorites, his relationship with Tom Holland appears far more harmonious.

Timothée Chalamet and Tom Holland occupy similar corners of modern Hollywood: young, bankable, and frequently mentioned in the same casting discussions. The Spider-Man role that slipped toward Holland is perhaps the most famous intersection of their careers, though the competition has never appeared especially bitter.

Public remarks between the pair tend to lean toward admiration rather than rivalry. Chalamet once crowned Holland the ultimate 'rizz master' during a LADbible Agree to Disagree video.

Meanwhile, Zendaya forms an elegant social bridge between the two actors. Chalamet has worked alongside her extensively on Dune, while Holland’s long-term relationship with the actress has become a staple of entertainment headlines, creating a social overlap that often surfaces in interviews and media appearances.

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What are your thoughts on ballet helping Tom Holland leap ahead of Timothée Chalamet for Spider-Man? Let us know in the comments!