“The job of a lifetime”- The Odyssey star Tom Holland has nothing but praise and excitement for his upcoming Christopher Nolan movie

The Odyssey is set to be one of the most highly anticipated movies of 2026, and Tom Holland has labelled the experience of making it as “the best” set he has ever worked on. Based on Homer’s ancient epic and directed by Christopher Nolan, the movie stars Holland as Telemachus—Odysseus’s son—in what looks to be a grounded yet ambitious retelling of the myth.

Speaking with GQ, Holland outlined what drew him to the role and why this collaboration stands out among his recent projects. The Odyssey, he said, will be “unlike anything we’ve ever seen” and represents a creative shift for Nolan, who is known for high-concept science fiction and historical dramas.

The film also stars Matt Damon as Odysseus and Anne Hathaway in an undisclosed role. With its mix of mythology, prestige casting, and Nolan’s signature scope, The Odyssey promises a deeper emotional exploration of legacy, absence, and becoming.

Nolan returns with a myth-driven story told through a new lens

Christopher Nolan’s body of work has traversed dream worlds, black holes, and war timelines (Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk, Oppenheimer). His first foray into ancient mythology comes with The Odyssey, albeit on a scale consistent with his previous efforts.

Tom Holland defined the shoot as difficult and invigorating.

"It was amazing. The job of a lifetime, without a doubt,” he told GQ. “The best experience I've had on the film set. Incredible. It was exciting. It was different."

Holland thanked Nolan and longtime producing partner Emma Thomas for fostering a creative climate unlike any he had known.

"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 plays Telemachus in a character-driven version

Holland’s role as Telemachus positions him at the emotional centre of The Odyssey. The character’s arc—searching for his father while defining his own identity—offers space for a grounded performance set against mythological stakes.

“I came to work every day with a real sense of purpose and a point to prove,” Holland said. “And I’m so grateful for Chris to have given me that opportunity.”

A high-caliber cast anchors the production of The Odyssey

Along with Holland, The Odyssey features Matt Damon (who worked with Nolan on Interstellar and Oppenheimer) as Odysseus. Anne Hathaway, another frequent Nolan collaborator, also joins the cast. For Holland, working with both actors made the project even more meaningful:

"Matt Damon has always been a hero of mine, Anne Hathaway has always been a hero of mine,” he said. “To share scenes with them, to learn from them, to become friends with them—I couldn't have asked for a better job."

Although the full cast list has not yet been revealed, the blend of returning Nolan actors and new faces suggests an ensemble approach similar to that seen in many of the director’s previous films.

From Holland’s early comments, The Odyssey appears to signal a stylistic shift for Christopher Nolan—one less dependent on intellectual puzzles and more focused on emotional precision. Holland’s portrayal of Telemachus, set against a mythic backdrop and an accomplished cast, positions the film to explore legacy, identity, and reconciliation in a fresh light.

Trending

If hopes are high, so too is the potential. Whether The Odyssey joins the ranks of Nolan’s most iconic films will depend on how deftly it balances its ancient source material with modern cinematic ambition.

The movie will release in 2026.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback

Quick Links

More from SoapCentral