Tom Holland Reveals How He Broke News of Zendaya's Role in 'The Odyssey'

A unique moment unfolded when actor Tom Holland revealed he was the first to inform his wife, Zendaya, about her casting in Christopher Nolan's upcoming epic film, The Odyssey. Zendaya is set to portray the goddess Athena in the film, scheduled for release on July 17, 2026.

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It was a really incredible gift because I know how much she admires Chris. Interstellar is her favorite film.

Holland shared the story during an interview with Robert Pattinson for Access Hollywood, detailing how Nolan specifically requested his permission before approaching Zendaya for the role. "It was a really incredible gift because I know how much she admires Chris. Interstellar is her favorite film," Holland said, as quoted by People on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

According to Holland, he and Zendaya had read The Odyssey's script together after he joined the project in 2024. When Holland met with Nolan to discuss the film, the director posed a question that initially caught Holland off guard. "He said, 'Can I ask you one question, and please don't be offended because I'm asking it.' I thought he was going to ask if we could add a wedge to my shoe or something," Holland recalled.

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He said, 'Can I ask you one question, and please don't be offended because I'm asking it.' I thought he was going to ask if we could add a wedge to my shoe or something.

Nolan's question, however, was about Zendaya's potential willingness to play Athena. Holland expressed his immediate enthusiasm for the idea. "I said, 'Why would I be offended? I'm honored. It's amazing. I'm sure she'll be thrilled.' Then I asked, 'Would you like me to tell her?' And he said, yes," Holland recounted.

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Why would I be offended? I'm honored. It's amazing. I'm sure she'll be thrilled. Would you like me to tell her?

Upon returning home, Holland didn't immediately reveal the news. Instead, he asked Zendaya to reread the script they had previously reviewed together. "I said, 'You have to read the script again!' She said she had read it. I said, 'No, trust me. Read it again, but pay close attention to the part of Athena!' Then the corner of her lips started to lift. It was a really amazing moment," Holland shared.

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You have to read the script again! She said she had read it. I said, 'No, trust me. Read it again, but pay close attention to the part of Athena!' Then the corner of her lips started to lift. It was a really amazing moment.