Tom Holland revealed that his wife, Zendaya, significantly boosted his confidence while they were filming Christopher Nolan's upcoming epic, "The Odyssey." Zendaya, who plays the Greek goddess Athena, said it was "the dream" to be cast alongside Holland, who portrays Telemachus, the son of Odysseus.
During the film's recent world premiere, Holland shared what he learned from working closely with Zendaya on the project. "To be confident and be bold," he stated, attributing these qualities to her approach to acting. He observed that Zendaya "makes big choices" and isn't afraid to develop her characters in a way that makes them relatable. "I think there are a few actors who can do it as well as she can, and I love watching her do it," Holland added.
Zendaya expressed her immense pride when Holland was initially cast in the film. "I remember when he got the call, I was, like, absolutely over the moon, so excited, so proud," she told Extra. The prospect of sharing the experience with him when she was later cast was even more special. "And then never did it… cross my mind that a second call would be coming to our home, you know? So, that was so special," she recalled, calling it "absolutely the dream" to share such a project and watch him work.
Holland recounted how director Christopher Nolan inquired about casting Zendaya. "At my meeting with Chris he asked me a question. He said, 'Would you be offended if I asked Zendaya to play Athena?'" Holland recalled, telling Nolan he wouldn't be offended. He then prompted Zendaya to re-read the script with Athena in mind, which led to her casting.
Zendaya, who confirmed her marriage to Holland last month, has been increasingly visible with him at red carpet events, including the premiere for "The Odyssey." She arrived at the London premiere channeling her character, Athena, in a dramatic Schiaparelli gown featuring a sculpted corset and breastplate bodice. The couture creation debuted at Paris Couture Week just hours before the event.
"The Odyssey" is an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic poem. The story follows Odysseus's challenging journey home after the Trojan War to reunite with his wife, Penelope. In the film, Zendaya's character, Athena, serves as the divine protector and guide for Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon. The premiere also saw the attendance of other cast members, including Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Robert Pattinson, Himesh Patel, and the film's director Christopher Nolan with his wife Emma Thomas.