Tom Holland on 'The Odyssey': How Nolan's film reshaped his confidence
Synopsis
Tom Holland says Christopher Nolan gave him a 'level of confidence as an actor' he didn't have before — and he's heading into his next project with fresh ambition. With two of 2026's biggest films to his name, Holland's post-Nolan chapter could signal a pivot toward prestige cinema.
Key Takeaways
Tom Holland attended the London screening of Christopher Nolan 's 'The Odyssey' on 12 November 2026 .
Holland plays Telemachus , son of Odysseus, in the Greek epic — one of two major 2026 releases for the actor alongside 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' .
Holland credited Nolan with giving him a new level of confidence as an actor, calling it the 'perfect way' to begin whatever comes next.
His wife, actress Zendaya , also appeared in the film alongside him.
Robert Pattinson , who plays the scheming Antinous , said the Nolans make filmmaking look 'effortless.'
Hollywood star Tom Holland has opened up about the lasting impact of Christopher Nolan's Greek epic 'The Odyssey' on his acting career, calling the experience a defining moment that has given him a renewed sense of ambition and self-belief. Holland, who has two of this year's biggest-grossing films to his name — 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' and 'The Odyssey' — made the remarks at the film's screening in London on Thursday, 12 November 2026.
What Holland Said About the Experience
When asked what he had taken away from working on the film, Holland said, 'I'd probably say it's confidence and an ambition to see what else is out there for me.' The actor, who plays Telemachus — son of the legendary hero Odysseus — in the film, credited Nolan personally for the transformation.
'I've been an admirer of Chris since I can remember, and to have the opportunity to work with him and to have his approval, and to sit in his house and watch his movie and to get a pat on the back, for me, just was like the perfect way for me to start whatever it is that I'm doing next,' Holland said. 'He's given me a level of confidence as an actor that I don't know if I had before and I'm very grateful that that is something that I can take away from this.'
Zendaya and Fellow Cast Members
Holland acknowledged that the experience extended beyond his work with Nolan alone. He noted that he had also learned considerably from his fellow cast and crew — which included his wife, actress Zendaya — and said he would be carrying 'this sense of achievement and this newfound confidence in what I think I can do' into his next project.
Robert Pattinson on the Nolans
Actor Robert Pattinson, who portrays the scheming Antinous in the film, also attended the London screening. Pattinson reflected warmly on working with both Christopher Nolan and his wife and producing partner Emma Nolan, saying the couple make filmmaking look 'effortless.'
What's Next for Holland
Holland did not specify his next project, but his remarks suggest he is approaching future roles with fresh creative ambition, emboldened by the critical and commercial weight that a Nolan collaboration carries. As one of the year's leading box-office draws — with two major releases in a single calendar year — Holland's trajectory appears firmly pointed toward prestige cinema alongside franchise work.
Point of View
Holland is now articulating ambition for roles beyond the superhero universe, and a Nolan credit is the most credible launchpad available in contemporary Hollywood. The interesting question is whether the box-office dominance of both his 2026 films gives him the leverage to greenlight that transition — or whether studios will simply keep casting him as Spider-Man. Zendaya's presence in the same film adds another layer: the couple's joint commercial and critical footprint now rivals the most bankable pairs in the industry, which will shape how they are packaged in future projects.
NationPress
12 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Tom Holland say about 'The Odyssey' at the London screening?
Tom Holland said the film gave him 'a level of confidence as an actor' he did not have before and an 'ambition to see what else is out there.' He described working with Christopher Nolan as the 'perfect way' to begin whatever project comes next.
What role does Tom Holland play in 'The Odyssey'?
Tom Holland plays Telemachus, the son of the hero Odysseus, in Christopher Nolan's adaptation of the Greek epic. The film is one of two major 2026 releases for Holland, the other being 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.'
Is Zendaya in 'The Odyssey'?
Yes, Zendaya appears in 'The Odyssey' alongside her husband Tom Holland. Holland mentioned her among the cast and crew members from whom he learned during the production.
What did Robert Pattinson say about working with the Nolans?
Robert Pattinson, who plays the scheming Antinous in 'The Odyssey', said at the London screening that Christopher Nolan and his wife and producing partner Emma Nolan make filmmaking look 'effortless.'
What is Tom Holland's next project after 'The Odyssey'?
Tom Holland has not specified his next project, but he indicated at the London screening that he will approach future roles with renewed confidence and creative ambition gained from the Nolan experience.
