Tom Holland cites Zendaya ultimatum for taking Nolan role

Actor Tom Holland has revealed that a playful ultimatum from his wife, Zendaya, was the decisive factor in his accepting a role in director Christopher Nolan's epic film "The Odyssey," which was released on July 17, 2026. The couple, who confirmed their private marriage earlier this year, are now starring together in the film and will also appear in the upcoming "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."

Holland recounted the story in a joint interview with People magazine alongside his co-stars Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway and Nolan. He explained that after being offered the role of Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, he faced a significant scheduling conflict. Production for "The Odyssey" was set to begin on the same day as filming for Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," in which Holland reprises his iconic role as Peter Parker.

Upon hearing the dilemma, Zendaya did not hesitate. Holland recalled her saying, "I'll leave you if you don't do 'The Odyssey.'" He characterized the statement as a joke, which drew laughter from the interview participants, including Nolan, who jokingly thanked Zendaya for the assist.

Spurred by the comment, Holland took the rare step of personally calling Sony...