1 of Tom Holland’s Best Performances is in This “Magnificent” Miniseries With 98% on Rotten Tomatoes

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Most people know Tom Holland from his big superhero movies, but he’s been a talented actor for a while. Before becoming a famous Hollywood star, he took on diverse roles, and one standout performance that many haven’t seen is in the BBC historical drama, Wolf Hall.

With a remarkable 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Wolf Hall is widely considered one of the best historical TV dramas, even though it doesn’t always get the same attention as shows like The Crown or Downton Abbey. Fans of Tom Holland should definitely watch Wolf Hall – it’s a great example of his acting range and provides valuable insight into the skills he’s developed throughout his career.

BBC’s Wolf Hall is a Critically-Acclaimed Political Drama That Needed More Attention

Inspired by Hilary Mantel’s novel, Wolf Hall takes viewers inside the complex world of King Henry VIII’s court. The series centers on Thomas Cromwell, brilliantly portrayed by Mark Rylance, and his ascent to becoming the King’s most important advisor. Set during a turbulent time in English history, the story revolves around Henry VIII’s determination to end his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn. This pivotal decision dramatically reshapes England’s religious and political systems, eventually leading to a split from the Catholic Church.

Rather than focusing on grand displays, Wolf Hall delves into the complex world of power, loyalty, and survival through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell. The series creates a tense and immersive atmosphere where shifting alliances and even small mistakes can have deadly consequences. With outstanding performances from Mark Rylance, Damian Lewis as King Henry VIII, and Claire Foy as Anne Boleyn, this beautifully atmospheric six-part miniseries rightfully earned widespread critical praise for its compelling, character-focused story and historically accurate feel.

In this complex political story, Tom Holland plays Gregory Cromwell, the son of Thomas Cromwell. While not a main character, Gregory is important because he shows a softer side of his father, highlighting the loving relationship they share – a stark contrast to Thomas Cromwell’s often harsh political actions. Holland effectively portrayed Gregory’s innocence and kindness through small, understated moments, like pauses and subtle facial expressions, which suited the show’s realistic and nuanced style.

Mark Rylance’s performance in Wolf Hall is subtle and relies on carefully conveying emotions through small details. While different from some of his more recent work, it’s flawlessly done, demonstrating his skill with thoughtful, reserved characters. When the series continued in 2024 with a sequel, The Mirror and the Light, Charlie Rowe took over the role of Gregory Cromwell due to Mark Rylance’s other commitments. The second season was also highly praised by critics.

Tom Holland’s Performance in Wolf Hall Laid the Groundwork For His Later Roles

Tom Holland first gained recognition in the 2012 film The Impossible, where he played Lucas Bennett, a young boy separated from his family and injured during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami while on vacation in Thailand. This impactful role led him to pursue acting professionally, and he later achieved worldwide fame by landing the part of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

After gaining recognition, Holland starred in major films like the action movie Uncharted, the crime thriller The Devil All The Time, and the upcoming fantasy film The Odyssey, scheduled for release in July 2026. Notably, Wolf Hall is one of only two television series he’s appeared in, making it an unusual choice for him. His other TV role was in the 2023 psychological thriller The Crowded Room, where he played Danny Sullivan, a man under arrest who recounts a difficult past marked by abuse, trauma, and mental health struggles.

Despite generally negative reviews criticizing its slow pace and repetitive plot, Tom Holland gave a surprisingly nuanced and heartfelt performance as Danny in The Crowded Room. While The Crowded Room and Wolf Hall are very different shows, Holland’s work on Wolf Hall clearly prepared him: both roles rely on his ability to portray vulnerability. In Wolf Hall, this vulnerability manifested as a desire for acceptance, while in The Crowded Room, it makes Danny seem fragile and lost. Even his role as Spider-Man’s Peter Parker is marked by emotional openness and a sense of being overwhelmed at times. The awkwardness and sensitivity of his character, Gregory Cromwell, foreshadowed the emotional honesty that Holland would bring to his later performances.

Tom Holland gives one of his strongest performances in Wolf Hall, and the series was a key step in his career, helping him land roles in larger, more well-known films. It’s a fantastic show that’s well worth watching, especially if you enjoy historical dramas or are a fan of Tom Holland’s work, but it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

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2026-05-04 17:05