Zendaya embraced "method dressing" at the world premiere of Christopher Nolan's new film, "The Odyssey," channeling her character Athena. The event took place at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on Monday night.
IMAGE1:
Zendaya, 29, wore a dramatic, sculpted corset that flowed into a sheer, sparkly skirt. A matching choker completed the ensemble. She was accompanied by her husband, Tom Holland, who portrays Telemachus, Odysseus's son. Holland was seen in a dark blue suit.
IMAGE6:
Zendaya plays Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicraft, who serves as a divine protector and guide for Odysseus (Matt Damon) on his journey home from the Trojan War. Her character's portrayal has become a point of discussion.
Cast and Production
The film, an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic, boasts a star-studded cast including Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Lupita Nyong'o as Clytemnestra, and Robert Pattinson. Hathaway, who is pregnant, appeared in a strapless blue gown.
IMAGE5:
Charlize Theron was also present, opting for a black velvet dress with dramatic white gloves.
IMAGE9:
"The Odyssey" is Christopher Nolan's most expensive project to date, with a reported $250 million budget. It is the director's first film shot entirely on IMAX 70mm cameras.
Casting Controversy
Nolan defended his casting choices after Elon Musk questioned the historical accuracy of Lupita Nyong'o playing Clytemnestra. Nyong'o, an Oscar winner, was named People Magazine's "Most Beautiful Woman" in 2014. Nolan stated that the earliest depictions of Homeric characters were meant to reflect the people of Homer's time, suggesting a case for portraying them that way for the original audience.
The casting has drawn commentary from various figures, including "The View" host Sunny Hostin, who called Musk a white supremacist. Actor Alec Baldwin also voiced support for Nolan's casting decisions.
Other cast members in attendance included Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Matt Damon and his wife Luciana, Robert Pattinson, Himesh Patel, Emma Thomas, Jameela Jamil and her partner James Blake, Mia Goth, and Elliot Page.
IMAGE7:
The film is set for release on July 17.