Zendaya Reveals How Her Husband Told Her About The Odyssey Role

Zendaya found out she was being considered for a role in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey from her husband, Tom Holland.

According to Deadline, the actress learned of the potential casting in an unusual way. Holland, who is set to play Telemachus in the film, was asked by Nolan if he would be offended if Zendaya was offered the role of Athena. He then brought the news home to her.

"I was already excited," Zendaya said on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, "because husband Tom Holland had landed a major role in the film. I was already on Cloud Nine for him."

She continued, describing the moment Holland suggested she re-read the script with the goddess Athena in mind. "And I was like, ‘Shut up! You’re joking!’ It was pretty cool."

Holland shared his perspective with Access Hollywood, calling the opportunity to deliver the news "such a gift." He explained, "I know how much she’s admired Chris. Interstellar is her favorite movie."

The actor also revealed he and Zendaya had read the script together before his meeting with Nolan, which he later realized might have breached the director's famously secretive protocols. Nolan then directly asked Holland if he would be offended by Zendaya's potential casting, and gave him permission to tell her.

What is The Odyssey about?

Christopher Nolan's adaptation is an epic adventure based on the ancient Greek poem. The film follows Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, confronting gods and monsters along the way.

Who else is in the cast?

The ensemble includes Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Robert Pattinson as Antinous. Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, and John Leguizamo also star. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in July 2026.