Tom Holland was a theater kid long before he started swinging off buildings. Having joined the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical at the age of twelve years old, he played the role of Michael Caffrey, Billy Elliot’s best friend, later being cast as the protagonist himself. Through his time here, he gained immense recognition and experience, which has followed him through his time as Spider-Man, as well as his various other roles.
Since then, it would seem that he has been itching to get back to his roots, wanting to get on a stage and act rather than in front of a camera. This is why he was extremely excited to announce his role as Romeo in the West Ends’ upcoming production of Romeo & Juliet.
Tom Holland As Romeo and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers As Juliet
Earlier this year, Tom Holland announced that he would be playing the role of Romeo in Jamie Llyod’s production of Romeo and Juliet at the West End. The role could not be better suited as not only does he have experience with theater from his time as Billy Elliot, but he has also grown immensely as an actor in the years to come. While fans were excited about the casting, they could not help but get curious about who would be sharing the stage with him.
This question was also answered recently, as it was announced that Francesca Amewudah-Rivers would be playing the role of Juliet alongside Holland. She has more than enough experience as an actress, having been a part of several plays in her career and done an excellent job in them. The British actress announced on her Instagram account and the news has gotten some mixed reactions.
In Shakespeare’s beautiful romantic tragedy, the central theme seems to be their society refusing to accept their love. They refused to see the beauty in their connection and wanted to break, even if it meant the crumbling of something sacred.
It would seem that the premise and lesson of this play still maintain its relevance as the casting choice of these two actors gets slammed upon by people who refuse to acknowledge the lure of it.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers Get Backlash
Upon hearing the casting choice, many went on to oppose it. They would rather have the entire play miscarry than show such an ‘abomination’. On top of them not accepting that someone of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers’ race was playing Juliet, they went as far as to call her unattractive. From racism to blatant cruelty, nothing was left off the table when they were being critical of her.
Can’t wait for this to fail 🤡
— Drew 🇺🇸✝️ (@Drew3691) March 28, 2024
Thank god I’m not into theatre nonsense
— diego (@Dieggo) March 28, 2024
Always pushing the interracial agenda
Every movie
Every advert
Every sitcom
Why is this, I’m curious…?
— The Centerview ♟️ (@centerviewnews) March 28, 2024
We will NOT be watching this DEI Hogwash.
— NO CAP 🙅♂️🧢 CARROT (@Pickuptruckdude) March 28, 2024
Looks like Romeo & Romeo
— mind of MOTTRAM (@MindofMottram) March 28, 2024
Lmfao she’s black
— Mike 🇨🇦✝️ (Sherlock) Homes (@LeftHandedSWM) March 28, 2024
This is not the first time one of Tom Holland’s co-stars has experienced such backlash. In 2016, when it was announced that Zendaya would be playing the role of MJ Watson in Spider-Man: Homecoming, similar comments were made about her. However, she was quick to shut them down and make it clear that she was here to stay.
The same can be expected from Amewudah-Rivers. It was reported by Deadline that the play managed to sell out all of its tickets in a matter of two hours. It is safe to say that production is going to be a hit.