Without a doubt, a difficult aspect of the cinematic realm is the ability for actors and actresses to transform into their characters and speak in a variety of accents that are different from their own. And as Harry Styles showed us in My Policeman — where the British actor was criticized for switching between accents in a limited timeframe — the ability is much more difficult than it seems. And yet, that certainly doesn’t stop film buffs from picking out when an actor sticks to their native accent or when they switch it up.
Over on Twitter, user @Srirachachau took the opportunity to compare notable Marvel actors Daniel Kaluuya and Tom Holland — both of whom are British. On one hand, Holland, who portrays Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Sony’s latest Spider-Man flicks, speaks in an American accent in the movies. On the other hand, Kaluuya, who portrays Hobie Brown/Spider-Punk in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, maintains his British accent in the film. In their argument, @Srirachachau notes that Kaluuya “hasn’t forgotten who he is” (by keeping his British accent), while labeling Holland “a fraud” for using an American accent in movies.
Taking a step back, it’s worth noting that Kaluuya has utilized an American accent in the past — specifically in Jordan Peele’s Get Out. That being said, Holland has sported his native British accent in a plethora of movies in his own filmography. Regardless of which accent is being presented, it’s hard to disagree that both actors are extremely talented in their own right.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is showing in theaters now.