Tom Holland embraces new role as Telemachus in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey

On July 8, 2026, Tom Holland revealed his excitement about playing Telemachus in Christopher Nolan's epic film The Odyssey. The British actor, known for his role as Spider-Man, describes this moment as a "pinch-me moment" marking a significant transition in his career.

Tom Holland's Role in The Odyssey

In The Odyssey, Holland portrays Telemachus, the son of the legendary hero Odysseus. Telemachus, who is around 20 years old in the film, is on a quest to find his father, who left for the Trojan wars when he was just a child. Holland expressed that this role feels like his "last chance to play a boy" as he navigates adulthood.

Holland's performance is complemented by a stellar cast, including Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Telemachus's mother, and Matt Damon as Odysseus. Hathaway's portrayal brings depth to a character who is faced with the challenges of protecting her son from the suitors who have invaded their home.

Zendaya's Surprise Role

Holland's real-life wife, Zendaya, joins the cast as the goddess Athena. Holland shared an intimate moment when he read the script with her and later broke the news of her casting. "The little corners of her mouth went up. She had this little smile and then we both started jumping around the kitchen," Holland recalled.

This collaboration marks a unique dynamic on set, as Holland and Zendaya do not share any scenes together, which adds an intriguing layer to their performances.

The Impact of The Odyssey on Modern Masculinity

The film also invites a discussion on masculinity. Holland stated, "Maybe what you can learn from this movie about masculinity is that it comes in all shapes and sizes and there is no version of it that’s perfect." He also took on new skills, including sword fighting, which he enjoyed and humorously noted could be useful in a hypothetical home invasion scenario.

As Holland reflects on his career, he acknowledges the significance of working with Nolan, calling it a major opportunity. "Before you’ve worked with him, you yearn for that opportunity and then you get the opportunity and that comes with a lot of pressure," he said. Nolan has praised Holland, calling him "one of the great actors of his generation," highlighting the actor's rise from his humble beginnings.