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Hollywood News Updated Jul 6, 2026

Tom Holland’s Nervous First Day on Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Revealed

Tom Holland admits he mistakenly thought director Christopher Nolan was unhappy with his performance on the first day of filming ‘The Odyssey’. He later learned the frequent cuts were due to IMAX cameras only running for three minutes. Holland plays Telemachus, son of Matt Damon’s Odysseus, in the film releasing July 17. He called working with Nolan the best experience of his career.

Tom Holland opens up about nervous first day filming Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'

Washington, July 6

Tom Holland has revealed that he mistakenly believed director Christopher Nolan was unhappy with his performance on the first day of filming 'The Odyssey', before learning that the frequent interruptions were simply due to the technical limitations of IMAX cameras.

As per Variety, Holland in a recent interview, recalled his first experience working with IMAX cameras and admitted he misunderstood why Nolan kept calling for cuts during a scene with co-star Jon Bernthal.

"Working with the Imax cameras for the first time is an experience," Holland explained, adding, "It is unlike anything I have ever seen before, and I didn't know that it only ran for three minutes. So, I remember you would continue cutting, and I was with Jon [Bernthal], like, 'Why does he keep cutting? Why does he keep doing that?'"

The actor said the repeated interruptions left him worried that Nolan was dissatisfied with the performances.

"And in my head, I was like, 'Does he not like what we're doing? What is happening?' And then, I remember it was actually [stunt coordinator] George Cottle that was like, 'No, no, no, there's only three minutes in the mag.' I was like, 'Oh, thank god.' I thought I was totally shit-ing the bed in this scene," he said, as quoted by Variety.

Holland plays Telemachus, the son of Matt Damon's Odysseus, in 'The Odyssey,' which is scheduled to release in theatres on July 17.

The film also features Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Elliot Page, Benny Safdie, Mia Goth and John Leguizamo.

Despite his anxious start on set, Holland recently praised the experience of working with Nolan in an interview, calling it the highlight of his career so far.

"Working with Chris, getting to know him and Emma [Thomas] was absolutely fantastic. I've never seen someone that can work the way that they do, and there is a reason why they're the best in the business for sure," Holland said, as quoted by Variety.

He added, "To get a front row seat to that and to be a part of the process and to collaborate with a true master of his craft and learn from him was the best experience I've ever had."

— ANI

Reader Comments

Priya S

Honestly, this is such a relatable story. Have you ever started a new job and thought you were messing up, only to find out it's just the system? Tom's humility is refreshing. But I wonder why they didn't brief him about the IMAX camera limitations beforehand—seems like basic production planning, yaar.

Vikram M

Nolan is a genius, no doubt. But this anecdote shows even the best directors can have communication gaps on set. Tom and Bernthal must have been sweating! 😅 That said, the cast is insane—Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya—it's like a multiverse of talent. Can't wait for July 2026!

Sarah B

OMG, this is hilarious! Can you imagine being Tom Holland, one of the biggest stars, and thinking you're bombing in front of *Christopher Nolan*? 😂 Respect to him for being so open about it. I hope they release behind-the-scenes footage of this moment—it would be pure gold. Also, Telemachus is a great role for him!

Michael C

It's interesting how these big-budget Hollywood productions still have these "oops" moments. Three-minute IMAX mags? That sounds like a 1990s problem! But I guess when you're shooting on film, you have constraints. Tom's reaction is pure gold—"I thought I was shitting the bed" 😂. Side note: Matt Damon as Odysseus? That's inspired casting.

Rohit P

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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