Tom Holland cast as Telemachus in Nolan's The Odyssey

Actor Tom Holland has secured a starring role in director Christopher Nolan's epic new film "The Odyssey" after his wife, actress Zendaya, jokingly threatened to leave him if he turned it down. The film, an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek poem, opens in theaters on July 17, 2026.

Holland, 30, revealed the anecdote in a recent interview, explaining he was initially concerned about a scheduling conflict between Nolan's project and the upcoming "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." After Nolan approached him to play Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, Holland discussed the offer at home. Zendaya, who was later cast as the goddess Athena in the same film, strongly encouraged him to accept. Holland recounted her saying, "I'll leave you if you don't do 'The Odyssey.'" Nolan later quipped his thanks to her for the persuasion.

To make the filming possible, Holland personally asked Sony Pictures executive Tom Rothman to delay production on the "Spider-Man" sequel. Nolan said he had long admired Holland's work and was thrilled to finally collaborate, calling the actor "one of the great new young voices in cinema" and an "incredible talent."

The film held its premiere in New York City on July 14,...