Tom Holland has announced that he is taking a year-long leave of absence from acting, to the dismay of MCU fans eager for his return in Spider-Man 4.

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After taking on acting and directing duties on his latest project, The Crowded Room, the charismatic actor told Extra he would be taking some time off, explaining:

“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. I’m now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was.”

Holland is prioritizing self-care like a Gen Z boss, as he takes time to replenish his spirits, soak up new inspiration, and evolve. Nevertheless, the news of his hiatus dashed the hopes of disgruntled Marvel fans who want the next installment of the Spider-Man franchise to happen sooner rather than later. 

Seething over the inevitable delay caused by his sabbatical, they criticized Holland’s other film ventures. One fan posted the dismal Rotten Tomatoes rating for The Crowded Room and suggested that its critical failure is the real reason the actor is taking a break. 

Dude just cant escape the web to save himself from Spiderman! 😭

— 🅳🅴🅽🅽🅸🆂 (@dennis_k_g) June 7, 2023

Many fans believed that the British actor needed some well-deserved rest and relaxation, considering the lackluster performance of his other films.

I would too if all my roles outside Spiderman were critical and financial bombs. Also fire the agent they don't know their jobs

— TheAramide (@AramideCastro) June 7, 2023

Another fan encouraged Sony to seize the opportunity.

Sony, nows your chance

— Alex Denty (@alex_denty) June 7, 2023

One person thought the timing of Holland’s leave made sense in light of the writers’ strike.

Writers strike with no end in sight, Actors guild considering joining in as well …

Spidey, everyone is gonna take a break pretty soon!

— César H. Sandoval (@TekkZero) June 7, 2023

Holland recently shared that Spider-Man 4 meetings had been paused “in solidarity”  with the WGA Strike, expressing measured support while cautious not to ruffle any feathers at Marvel Studios. It’s likely that to some extent the strike informed his decision to take a break as screenplays are the substance of the film business, and without writers to create vehicles for film studios to produce, promote, and profit from, the entire industry grinds to a halt.

While fans roast Holland on social media, it’s worth noting that at only 27, his films have grossed over $10 billion. Whether his hiatus is due to his ambigous support of the WGA, the poor performance of The Crowded Room, or other reasons, it is undeniably well-deserved

In the meantime, at least we can rewatch many of his outings as Spider-Man — including Spider-Man: Homecoming— on Disney Plus.