Tom Holland Jokes About Zendaya's Role in The Odyssey During Press Tour

Tom Holland's Humorous Take on Zendaya's Character

In a recent promotional interview for Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey, Tom Holland humorously asserted that his on-screen wife, Zendaya, cannot have romantic feelings for Matt Damon's character, Odysseus. This light-hearted moment occurred during a discussion with co-stars Anne Hathaway and Robert Pattinson, where Holland's witty remark about Athena's affections had everyone laughing. Damon later provided a more serious perspective on the dynamics between Athena and Odysseus, carefully sidestepping any spoilers regarding the film's plot.

Tom Holland's Playful Remarks on Athena's Affection

During a Wired interview aimed at promoting The Odyssey, Holland's playful humor was on full display. While answering fan questions alongside his co-stars, he read one that asked if Athena had romantic feelings for Odysseus. Before anyone could respond, Holland quipped, "No, because she's married to me," referencing his real-life relationship with Zendaya, who portrays Athena. This joke elicited laughter from the cast, with Damon approvingly responding, "Yep. Good answer." In Nolan's adaptation, Damon plays Odysseus, who faces numerous challenges on his journey back to Ithaca after the Trojan War, with Athena guiding him through visions.

Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, Odysseus' loyal wife, who has been waiting for his return for two decades while dealing with persistent suitors. Holland takes on the role of their son, Telemachus, while Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, one of Penelope's most determined suitors.

The conversation shifted to a more serious tone when Holland posed another question: "Why does Athena choose Odysseus?" Damon skillfully avoided revealing crucial plot points, stating, "This is tricky without giving anything away. Does Athena choose Odysseus, or does he choose her?" He teased the audience with a playful, "Spoiler alert. That's all we can say." Holland's humorous comment about Zendaya has become a highlight of the film's promotional tour, much to the delight of fans.

About The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey reinterprets Homer's classic tale as a complex narrative exploring themes of war, trauma, and redemption. The film chronicles Odysseus' challenging 20-year journey back home after the Trojan War, while his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland) strive to safeguard Ithaca.

Narrated through Nolan's distinctive non-linear style, the film intertwines mythological elements with profound human experiences, depicting monsters and deities as manifestations of Odysseus' guilt and fractured mind. As he confronts legendary adversaries like Cyclops and Sirens, the story delves into the heavy toll of war, the essence of homecoming, and whether a man irrevocably altered by conflict can reclaim his former life. The Odyssey is set to hit theaters on July 17, 2026.