Tom Holland calls 'The Odyssey', his 'last chance to play a boy' before venturing into senior roles
Los Angeles, July 8
Hollywood actor Tom Holland has shed light on his latest role in the upcoming fantasy epic, 'The Odyssey' helmed by Christoper Nolan.
The 30-year-old actor, who portrays Odysseus' (Matt Damon) only son Telemachus in the film, said the role marks the start "of a new chapter of my life" as he enters his thirties and moves on to playing older characters, reports 'People' magazine.
He told the BBC, "The thing that I love the most is that it feels a little bit like the last chance for me to play a boy".
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The 'Spider-Man' star said playing the role of Telemachus made him reflect on masculinity and what that looks like to a boy growing into a man.
He shared, "Maybe what you can learn from this movie about masculinity is that it comes in all shapes and sizes and no version of it's perfect".
As per 'People', the movie also marks the first time Holland has appeared in a Nolan film.
He said, "Before you've worked with him, you think about it a lot and you yearn for that opportunity and then you get the opportunity and that comes with a lot of pressure".
The actor appears alongside a star-studded cast in 'The Odyssey'. As well as Matt Damon, 55, the likes of Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson and Holland's wife and 'Spider-Man' co-star, Zendaya, who plays the goddess Athena, are all among the cast.
In a recent interview with Access Hollywood, Tom revealed that Nolan, 55, had the idea to cast Zendaya in the role.
He said, "It was such a gift because I know how much she's admired Chris. Interstellar is her favorite movie. (Nolan asked me), 'Do you mind if I ask you a question, and please don't be offended by my asking' ... and he went, 'Would you be offended if I asked Zendaya to play Athena?' And I was like, 'Why would I be offended?' I said 'I would be honored, that's amazing. I'm sure she would love to'".
The actor then shared that he surprised his wife with the news. 'The Odyssey' is set to release in cinemas on July 17, 2026.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Tom's reflection on masculinity is so refreshing. In India, we often box men into rigid roles. Hope this film inspires young boys to embrace vulnerability and growth. 🙌
Honestly, Tom at 30 playing a 'boy' feels like a stretch. Nolan's world-building is epic, but let's hope the casting doesn't feel mismatched. Still excited for the visuals though.
Zendaya as Athena is perfect casting! She has that ethereal goddess vibe. And Tom surprising her with the news is so cute. This is going to be a cinematic masterpiece. 😎
Tom's journey from Spider-Man to Nolan's epic is inspiring. But let's not forget—he's only 30. Plenty of 'boy' roles left! Still, 'The Odyssey' sounds like a game-changer. 🎬
The cast is insane! Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson—and now Zendaya! Nolan is assembling a dream team. July 2026 can't come soon enough. 🔥
Tom's comment about masculinity 'coming in all shapes and sizes' is something we need more of in Bol
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