Tom Holland calls 'The Odyssey' his last chance to play a boy before adult roles
Synopsis
Tom Holland is calling 'The Odyssey' his career farewell to boyhood — and his first Christopher Nolan film. Playing Telemachus opposite Matt Damon's Odysseus, the 30-year-old says the role forced him to rethink masculinity, while Nolan personally pitched casting Zendaya as Athena. One of 2026's most-watched releases drops on 17 July.
Key Takeaways
Tom Holland , 30 , plays Telemachus in Christopher Nolan 's 'The Odyssey' , releasing 17 July 2026 .
Holland described the role as 'the last chance for me to play a boy' as he transitions to more mature characters.
The film marks Holland's first collaboration with director Christopher Nolan .
Zendaya plays the goddess Athena — a casting idea conceived by Nolan himself.
The ensemble cast includes Matt Damon , Anne Hathaway , Charlize Theron , Lupita Nyong'o , and Robert Pattinson .
Hollywood actor Tom Holland has opened up about his role in director Christopher Nolan's upcoming fantasy epic 'The Odyssey', describing the part as a pivotal turning point in his career as he steps into his thirties and prepares to take on more mature characters.
A New Chapter for Holland
The 30-year-old actor portrays Telemachus, the only son of Odysseus — played by Matt Damon, 55 — in the film. Holland told the BBC that the role feels like 'the last chance for me to play a boy,' marking what he called the start 'of a new chapter of my life' as he transitions toward older, more seasoned characters.
Reflecting on the emotional weight of the performance, Holland said the role prompted him to think deeply about masculinity and identity. 'Maybe what you can learn from this movie about masculinity is that it comes in all shapes and sizes and no version of it's perfect,' he shared.
Holland's First Nolan Film
According to reports, 'The Odyssey' marks the first time Holland has appeared in a Nolan production — a milestone the actor says came with considerable pressure. 'Before you've worked with him, you think about it a lot and you yearn for that opportunity and then you get the opportunity and that comes with a lot of pressure,' he said.
This comes amid a broader career shift for Holland, who rose to global fame as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Nolan collaboration signals a deliberate move toward prestige cinema and dramatically different character territory.
Star-Studded Cast and Zendaya's Role
The film features an ensemble that includes Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, and Robert Pattinson. Notably, Holland's wife and 'Spider-Man' co-star Zendaya also appears in the film, portraying the goddess Athena.
In a recent interview with Access Hollywood, Holland revealed that it was Nolan himself who conceived the idea of casting Zendaya. 'It was such a gift because I know how much she's admired Chris. Interstellar is her favourite movie,' Holland said, recounting how Nolan asked him: 'Would you be offended if I asked Zendaya to play Athena?' Holland said he responded: 'Why would I be offended? I would be honoured, that's amazing. I'm sure she would love to.' He then surprised Zendaya with the news himself.
Release and What to Expect
'The Odyssey' is set to release in cinemas on 17 July 2026. The film is one of the most anticipated Hollywood releases of the year, given Nolan's track record with large-scale, philosophically ambitious productions. For Holland, it represents both a homecoming to epic storytelling and a conscious farewell to youthful roles that defined his early career.
Point of View
However, is Nolan's casting logic: pairing a real-life couple as Telemachus and Athena introduces an emotional shorthand that could either enrich the mythology or distract from it. That Nolan personally pitched Zendaya to Holland — and felt the need to preface it with 'please don't be offended' — hints at how carefully he is managing the film's interpersonal dynamics off-screen as much as on it.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tom Holland's role in 'The Odyssey'?
Tom Holland plays Telemachus, the only son of Odysseus, in Christopher Nolan's fantasy epic 'The Odyssey'. He has described the role as his 'last chance to play a boy' before moving on to more adult characters.
When does 'The Odyssey' release in cinemas?
'The Odyssey' is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 17 July 2026.
Who else stars in Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'?
The film features Matt Damon as Odysseus, with Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, and Zendaya — who plays the goddess Athena — rounding out the star-studded cast.
How did Zendaya get cast as Athena in 'The Odyssey'?
Director Christopher Nolan personally conceived the idea of casting Zendaya as Athena and asked Tom Holland if he would be comfortable with it. Holland said he was honoured, and he later surprised Zendaya with the news himself.
Is 'The Odyssey' Tom Holland's first Christopher Nolan film?
Yes, 'The Odyssey' marks the first time Tom Holland has appeared in a Christopher Nolan production. Holland acknowledged the opportunity came with significant pressure given Nolan's reputation.
