After promoting Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” and preparing for the release of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” the actor has confirmed that his next stop is the long-awaited Fred Astaire biopic. According to Variety, Holland has already begun rehearsals and is setting an ambitious goal for himself by performing every dance sequence without relying on doubles.



<h2>Tom Holland Is Returning to Dance for His Most Demanding Role Yet</h2>



Although Holland built his early career on the West End production of “Billy Elliot the Musical,” he admitted that stepping into Fred Astaire’s shoes feels like an entirely different level of commitment. Speaking on Good Morning America, the actor revealed that rehearsals are already underway. “As soon as I finish with these tours, I’m diving back into the dance studio,” he said, adding that his first sessions left him with “excitement and absolute dread because I’ve got so much work to do to to try and do Fred proud.”



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1280" height="720" data-id="98676" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/07/23130535/Tom-34-1280x720.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-98676"><figcaption>Source: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>
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The preparation goes beyond simply learning choreography. Holland said he intends to honor Astaire’s legendary style by handling every performance himself. His goal is “no doubles, to do all of the dancing [myself], to shoot those dances in one shot,” recreating the approach that made Astaire’s classic musical numbers so distinctive on screen.



During an appearance on Live With Kelly and Mark, Holland explained that the project represents a turning point after back-to-back tentpole films. Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” premiered earlier this month to strong reviews, while “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is set to arrive in theaters on July 31. Looking ahead, Holland described the Astaire picture as “the ultimate challenge,” adding that he wants to pursue roles that genuinely “scare me.”



The untitled Fred Astaire biopic is set to be directed by “Wonka” filmmaker Paul King and is expected to begin production in early 2027. The movie will focus on Astaire’s formative years alongside his sister Adele, chronicling the journey that eventually turned him into one of Hollywood’s most influential dancers and musical stars.

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Tom Holland Says His Next Film Is the Fred Astaire Biopic, Will Do All Dance Scenes Without Doubles - Spoiler US

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Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey arrived with the weight of myth long before audiences entered the theater. Shot entirely with IMAX cameras and produced on a reported $250 million budget, the epic assembled one of the most star-studded casts in recent memory, led by Matt Damon, Tom Holland and Zendaya.



As the film became Nolan’s biggest opening weekend ever, attention quickly shifted from its record-breaking box office to another blockbuster question: how much did its leading stars earn?



<h2>Who Earned the Most in The Odyssey?</h2>



Matt Damon reportedly earned the highest salary among The Odyssey cast, with an estimated paycheck of $15 million. While Universal Pictures has not officially disclosed the actors’ salaries, several entertainment outlets, like The Times of India, have cited industry estimates placing him at the top of the payroll thanks to his leading role as Odysseus, the legendary King of Ithaca.



According to those reports, Tom Holland ranks second with an estimated salary of $10 million for portraying Telemachus, Odysseus’ son. Zendaya, who plays the goddess Athena, is believed to have earned around $5 million, reflecting both the size of her role and her status as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand stars.



Although the figures remain unconfirmed, they align with recent salaries the actors have commanded in other major studio productions. The estimated pay gap also reflects the different positions each actor holds within the film.



Damon is the central protagonist and appears throughout the nearly three-hour epic, while Holland serves as one of the story’s principal supporting characters. Zendaya, despite being one of the movie’s biggest names, has a more limited but pivotal role as Athena, whose guidance shapes Odysseus’ journey.



<h2>Is The Odyssey One of Christopher Nolan’s Most Expensive Movies?</h2>



With a reported production budget of approximately $250 million, The Odyssey is widely considered Christopher Nolan’s most expensive film to date. The ambitious adaptation of Homer’s epic surpassed the budgets of Tenet (around $205 million), Interstellar ($165 million) and the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, which cost roughly $100 million to produce.



The massive investment reflects the unprecedented scale of the production. Nolan filmed across multiple countries, including Greece, Italy, Morocco and Iceland, while recreating ancient civilizations through large practical sets instead of relying heavily on CGI. 



The production also featured thousands of extras and extensive location work to capture the scope of Odysseus’ decade-long voyage home after the Trojan War. Another major factor behind the budget was Nolan’s commitment to technology.



It became the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX 70mm cameras, requiring newly developed equipment and a close collaboration with IMAX engineers. The format significantly increased production costs but also became one of the movie’s biggest selling points, driving premium-format ticket sales during its opening weekend.



The investment has already shown promising returns. The film debuted with approximately $264 million worldwide, marking the biggest global opening weekend of Nolan’s career and surpassing the launch of The Dark Knight Rises. 



That record-breaking start has strengthened expectations that The Odyssey could become one of the director’s highest-grossing films if it maintains momentum throughout its theatrical run.

Who Earned the Most in The Odyssey? Estimated Salaries for Matt Damon, Tom Holland and Zendaya

Who Earned the Most in The Odyssey? Estimated Salaries for Matt Damon, Tom Holland and Zendaya - Spoiler US

The star made another eyebrow-raising comment about his relationship while promoting Christopher Nolan’s new hit, adding fresh fuel to the long-running rumors surrounding the couple’s marital status.



<h2>Tom Holland’s Joke About Zendaya Revives Marriage Speculation</h2>



During a WIRED interview alongside “The Odyssey” co-stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Robert Pattinson, the cast answered some of the internet’s most searched questions about the film. One of them focused on Athena, the goddess portrayed by Zendaya, and whether she had romantic feelings for Odysseus.



Holland wasted no time with his response. “No, because she’s married to me,” he said, prompting Damon to immediately reply, “Good answer.” The exchange quickly spread across social media, with many viewers interpreting the remark as yet another playful nod to the ongoing speculation surrounding the couple’s relationship.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1280" height="720" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2026/07/17081322/Zendaya-8-1280x720.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-98190"><figcaption>Source: Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



The timing of the joke is notable given that Holland and Zendaya have never publicly confirmed whether they have married. Reports of their engagement first surfaced in early 2025, and fans have continued to scrutinize public appearances, jewelry and interviews for possible clues. While neither actor has addressed the rumors directly, Holland has occasionally leaned into the conversation with tongue-in-cheek comments.



That happened previously during an interview with Esquire, when he was asked about AI-generated wedding photos that had gone viral online. After being questioned about whether he had to reassure his family that the images were fake, Holland paused before joking, “No, because they were all there.” The quip quickly circulated online, becoming another moment that fueled speculation rather than settling it.



Holland and Zendaya appear together in Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” the filmmaker’s adaptation of Homer’s classic epic. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, and Holland portrays Telemachus, joining an ensemble that also includes Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and Charlize Theron.

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Tom Holland Says Zendaya Is Married to Him During ‘The Odyssey’ Interview - Spoiler US

If you’ve walked past a movie theater or logged onto social media this week, you know that The Odyssey mania has officially reached a fever pitch. With Christopher Nolan’s Greek epic set to hit theaters and IMAX this Friday, July 17, 2026, Universal Pictures is pulling out all the stops. In a rare late-night move, NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon has turned over its entire week of programming to the film’s massive A-list cast.



Kicking off the week on Monday night was Tom Holland, who plays Telemachus, the fiercely loyal son of Odysseus (played by Matt Damon). While Holland is no stranger to anchoring multi-billion-dollar blockbusters, he admitted to Fallon that when he first heard Christopher Nolan wanted him for a film, his immediate reaction was pure disbelief—and a healthy dose of imposter syndrome.



<h2>The Wrong Number: Why Tom Thought the Call Was for Timothée Chalamet</h2>



When Fallon asked Holland about the exact moment he found out he had landed a coveted spot in a Christopher Nolan production, the actor couldn’t help but laugh.



“Honestly, I thought he was supposed to be calling Timothée Chalamet.’”



The self-deprecating jab had the Studio 6B audience in stitches. It’s a running joke in Hollywood that Holland and Chalamet—the two defining young leading men of their generation—frequently circle the exact same high-profile scripts. From competing for roles to trading places on the global box-office charts, Holland jokingly assumed Nolan’s assistant had simply dialed the wrong “Tom.”



Of course, Nolan’s choice was entirely deliberate. Having previously worked with Chalamet on Interstellar, the director was looking for a completely different energy for Telemachus—and Holland’s perfect blend of physical athleticism and raw emotional vulnerability made him the ultimate choice to play Matt Damon’s screen son.



<h2>Defending the “Dad” Controversy</h2>



When the final trailer for The Odyssey dropped, some vocal purists on social media threw a minor fit over a scene where Telemachus refers to Odysseus as “Dad” instead of the historically accurate, formal “Father”.



Holland defended the creative choice with his trademark logical wit:



“I’ve seen people online getting so worked up about it. They’re like, ‘Oh, it’s Ancient Greece, he shouldn’t be saying Dad!’ But I wouldn’t have even said Father back then, would I? It would have been Greek! We’re already translating it, so why not make it earthy and grounded?”



Nolan himself has echoed this sentiment in recent interviews, stating he wanted the legendary poem to feel accessible and immediate to 2026 audiences rather than treating it like a dry, dusty museum piece.



<h2>Humbled in the DMs: The Erling Haaland Ghosting Story</h2>



Despite being the reigning King of the Box Office and starring in the summer’s two most anticipated blockbusters (both The Odyssey and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day releasing later this month), Holland revealed that his global fame doesn’t work on everyone.



Holland admitted that he recently tried to slide into the DMs of Manchester City soccer sensation and 2026 World Cup star Erling Haaland to invite him out for dinner while they were both in Monaco for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.



As it turns out, Haaland admitted on a Norwegian talk show that he simply didn’t answer because he doesn’t watch movies and literally had zero clue who “Tom Holland” was.



“It’s exactly the type of humbling experience that is incredibly important for actors,” Holland laughed, taking the ghosting entirely in stride. “You’re like, ‘Yeah, I’m Spider-Man, I’m Telemachus!’ And then a giant Norwegian striker just leaves you on read.”



<h2>The Rest of the Late-Night “Odyssey” Takeover</h2>



With Holland setting a spectacularly high, energetic bar on Monday night, The Tonight Show is just getting started with its star-studded celebration. Universal is pulling out the heavy artillery for the final promotional push before Friday:



<ul><li>Tuesday, July 14 (Tonight): Matt Damon (Odysseus himself) will take the couch to discuss his massive physical prep.</li><li>Wednesday, July 15: Zendaya (appearing as the goddess Athena) will stop by.</li><li>Thursday, July 16: Lupita Nyong’o (pulling incredible double duty as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra) will close out the week.</li></ul>



Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ officially opens in theatres and IMAX this Friday, July 17, 2026.

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“I Thought He Was Calling Timothée Chalamet”: Tom Holland Hilariously Recalls Getting the Call of a Lifetime from Christopher Nolan - Spoiler US

From declaring Tom Holland one of the finest actors of his generation to teasing an uncompromisingly violent, R-rated vision of ancient Greece, the director is promising a cinematic experience that will define the summer blockbuster season.



The countdown to the most ambitious theatrical event of 2026 is officially on. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is gearing up to storm the global box office, bringing Homer’s foundational epic to life using brand-new, customized IMAX film technology.&nbsp;



Amidst a massive promotional tour ahead of its highly anticipated international rollout, Nolan, along with his powerhouse ensemble—including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Zendaya—has dropped a series of fascinating insights about what went on behind the scenes. Far from a sanitized Hollywood swords-and-sandals flick, this adaptation promises raw emotion, absolute technical fidelity, and a surprising level of intensity.



<h2>Tom Holland Crowned a “Generational Great” as Telemachus</h2>



While audiences are accustomed to seeing Tom Holland swing through modern urban landscapes, Nolan’s The Odyssey thrusts the actor into a deeply emotional, classical territory as Telemachus, the prince of Ithaca searching for his lost father. When asked about bringing Holland into his cinematic universe for the very first time, Nolan could barely contain his praise for the young actor’s work ethic, disciplined process, and innate capability.



“I’d never had the chance to work with Tom before, but have long admired his extraordinary talent. Working with him confirmed for me that he’s one of the great actors of his generation, bringing commitment and focus to his work that combines raw talent with a disciplined process aimed at inhabiting the truth of the character. The Odyssey is, in large part, the story of Telemachus’s coming of age, and Tom has brought a sensitive understanding of the layers and complexities of this character that are essential to the tale.”



<h2>Zendaya’s “Flawless” Turn as the Goddess Athena</h2>



Equally dazzling in the film’s ensemble is Zendaya, who steps into the mythic shoes of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare who protects Odysseus on his perilous ten-year journey home. During a recent press conference, when reporters asked Nolan to pinpoint a specific scene or performance beat of Zendaya’s that stood out to him during editing, the director gave a beautifully succinct, definitive answer:



“I don’t remember which one, she was always perfect.”



The comment has already ignited social media, with fans eager to see how Zendaya anchors the film’s ethereal, divine elements alongside its grittier human components.



<h2>Matt Damon Reflects on His Collaborative Nolan Trilogy</h2>



For leading man Matt Damon, who embodies the legendary, wily Greek king Odysseus, The Odyssey marks a historic milestone: his third major collaboration with Christopher Nolan following his standout turns in Interstellar (2014) and the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer (2023). Reflecting on how their professional relationship has matured over the last twelve years, Damon highlighted the sheer artistic freedom Nolan allows on a massive studio set.



“I think [our dynamic] was collaborative from the second I started working with him. He really gives actors a lot of freedom and he’s just an extraordinary director.”



<h2>A “Brutal” Reality: Why ‘The Odyssey’ Demanded an R-Rating</h2>



Perhaps the most intriguing revelation from the press tour is Nolan’s firm stance on the film’s mature rating. While modern historical blockbusters often lean toward a safe, corporate PG-13 to maximize theater seats, Nolan insisted that a strict R rating was the only organic way to respect the visceral, bloody reality of Homer’s text.



To capture the true gravity of Bronze Age combat without the softening shield of digital green screens, the production built authentic, practical weapons—and the results are reportedly terrifying.



“We wanted to make the most intense version… with the weapons of the time, they are more brutal,” Nolan explained, defending the creative necessity of the rating.



<h2>The Event Movie of the Summer</h2>



With its massive scale, uncompromised violence, and a director operating at the absolute peak of his narrative powers, The Odyssey is positioning itself as an unmissable theatrical milestone. Between the raw, coming-of-age emotional weight carried by Holland and the bone-crunching, practical spectacle spearheaded by Damon, July 17 cannot arrive fast enough. Double-check your local listings and book those premium format tickets early, because Christopher Nolan is about to take us on a journey we won’t soon forget.

Christopher Nolan Crowns Tom Holland a Generational Great, Details “Brutal” R-Rated ‘The Odyssey’

Christopher Nolan Crowns Tom Holland a Generational Great, Details "Brutal" R-Rated 'The Odyssey' - Spoiler US

If there is one absolute truth in modern Hollywood, it’s that you never bet against the sheer theatrical drawing power of Christopher Nolan. Fresh off the massive, historic triumphs of his recent filmography, the auteur filmmaker is preparing to drop what is already being labeled his most visually ambitious project to date: The Odyssey.



With the film set to hit theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026, tickets officially went on sale this week—and the response was nothing short of a stampede.



London’s legendary BFI IMAX shattered its all-time 24-hour sales record, shifting a staggering 28,000 tickets in a single day and generating nearly $1 million in revenue. The previous record was held by Dune: Part Two, which sold approximately $490,000 worth of tickets in 24 hours. Servers groaned under the weight of thousands of cinephiles desperate to secure the best seats for what Universal Pictures is hyping as a “game-changing mythic event.” It’s an unprecedented opening salvo that demonstrates audiences are still hungry for massive, grand-scale theatrical spectacles.



<h2>The Weight of a $250 Million Mythic Canvas</h2>



The expectations resting on The Odyssey are entirely cosmic. Budgeted at a staggering $250 million, the movie is an intensive, ground-up adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem. The film chronicles the perilous, long journey of Odysseus, the King of Ithaca (played by Matt Damon), as he battles mythical beings, gods, and sirens to reunite with his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and his son, Telemachus (Tom Holland).



But this isn’t your standard sandals-and-swords period piece. True to form, Nolan has shot the entire project using brand-new, never-before-seen IMAX film camera technology, capturing breathtaking practical locations across the globe. Industry insiders are whispering that the film will rewrite the playbook on how action and practical visual effects interact on the largest possible cinematic canvas.



<h2>What the A-List Cast is Saying From the Set</h2>



With a powerhouse ensemble that features everyone from Robert Pattinson (playing the sleazy suitor Antinous) to Zendaya (as the goddess Athena) and Charlize Theron (as Calypso), the atmosphere on set has been described as a masterclass in creative mutual respect.



Tom Holland recently opened up about the surreal experience of working with childhood heroes like Matt Damon and Hathaway, noting that he approaches the set every single day with a “real sense of purpose and a point to prove.”



However, it is the glowing off-screen chemistry and mutual admiration between the actors that is stealing the headlines. While discussing the production dynamics, Oscar winner Anne Hathaway offered an incredible piece of praise for her The Odyssey co-star Tom Holland, highlighting that his talents extend far beyond his web-slinging blockbusters:



“He is really one-of-one. His ability to be an artist through and through, as well as a legit and successful businessman who sees the whole field and keeps both in appropriate conversation with each other at the level he does? Extremely rare.”



<h2>The Verdict on the Box Office Hype</h2>



By breaking the BFI IMAX record a month ahead of its debut, The Odyssey has effectively silenced any doubts regarding the public’s appetite for original, auteur-driven cinema. In a summer landscape that faces stiff competition from surprise viral micro-budget horror sensations, Nolan is proving that the luxury premium large-format experience is an unshakeable pillar of pop culture.



Get your tickets while you still can—the voyage officially begins on July 17!

Cinematic History in the Making: Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Shatters BFI IMAX Records Ahead of July Release

Cinematic History in the Making: Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Shatters BFI IMAX Records Ahead of July Release - Spoiler US

While the actor has become one of Hollywood’s most bankable leading men, he admitted that the live format of the NBC institution presents a unique obstacle that he has never felt comfortable tackling.



<h2>Tom Holland Says Live Cue Cards Make SNL a Challenge</h2>



Speaking on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, Holland revealed that he has been approached about hosting the iconic sketch series on multiple occasions but has never been able to get past one specific fear. “I’m heavily dyslexic, which is one of the reasons why … is why I’ve never done SNL,” he said, explaining that the show’s reliance on cue cards has always been a major concern.



Holland noted that the challenge is not reading itself but reading aloud under pressure. “It’s just that, for me, I can read fine,” he explained. “But when I have to read out loud, it just becomes, a kind of … it’s like a mental block, and I can freeze.” The actor added that the unpredictable nature of a live production only amplifies those concerns, admitting he is “just so petrified at the concept of, like, trying to read something and they change.”



The actor went on to describe script read throughs as the most difficult part of his work routine. “For me, my worst day at work is the read through,” Holland said. To help manage the situation, he prepares extensively beforehand, explaining, “I will really try and highlight everything and learn my lines ahead of time, so that I’m more kind of skimming it than I am reading.”



Although the prospect of hosting SNL remains daunting, Holland made clear that his reluctance has nothing to do with the show itself. “I’ve been really lucky that they’ve asked me a few times to do it,” he said. “I love the show, and I love the idea of having fun and making a fool of yourself in such a fun, creative way.” Even so, he acknowledged that the live format continues to be a hurdle, concluding, “It’s just that thing of the cue cards.”



The comments come as Holland prepares for one of the biggest years of his career. In just over a month, he will appear as Telemachus in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” before returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe weeks later in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” his fourth solo film as Peter Parker.

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The origins of Tom Holland’s artistic development trace back far from Hollywood sets, beginning instead in childhood routines shaped by rhythm and movement. Long before global fame arrived through the Marvel universe, his early exposure to dance played a decisive role in his formation as a performer, with reports noting his childhood admiration for artists like Janet Jackson.



<h2>Janet Jackson Is One of Tom Holland’s Most Unexpected Career Influences</h2>



Tom Holland recently offered a rare and revealing look into the roots of his career success during an appearance on the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast, pointing to an influence far outside the traditional world of acting.



Reflecting on the people who helped shape his artistic path, Holland placed Janet Jackson among the most important figures in his development, linking her work directly to his foundation as a performer.



“To be perfectly honest with you, I really feel like if you asked me to list five people who have been integral in the success of my career, she would be one of them”, Holland said on the podcast, underscoring just how deeply her impact resonates in his personal narrative.



The remark reframes Jackson not just as a pop icon admired from afar, but as part of the creative ecosystem that helped shape his understanding of rhythm, discipline, and stage presence. His comments connect back to his early training in dance and performance, where physical expression played a central role long before his transition into film.



In that context, Jackson’s precision-driven choreography and commanding stage identity stand as a reference point for how movement can carry storytelling power. The influence, as Holland describes it, is less about imitation and more about inspiration—an early blueprint for performance that would eventually evolve into his on-screen physicality and career-defining roles.

Tom Holland Says Janet Jackson Played a Key Role in His Career Success

Tom Holland Says Janet Jackson Played a Key Role in His Career Success - Spoiler US

Tom Holland is speaking candidly about a pivotal decision that changed the course of his life long before one of the busiest periods of his career. While preparing for a year that will see him headline two major studio releases, the actor reflected on the personal challenges that prompted him to stop drinking and the journey that followed.



According to comments Holland shared during an appearance on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, the star decided to quit alcohol after recognizing the impact it was having on multiple areas of his life. The experience ultimately became the foundation for BERO, the non-alcoholic beer brand he launched in 2024.



<h2>Tom Holland Reflects on Life After Quitting Alcohol</h2>



During the conversation, Holland spoke openly about the reasons behind his decision to stop drinking, describing it as a necessary change rather than a temporary lifestyle adjustment. “I quit drinking because I had a problem, and I just couldn’t put it down,” he said, adding that alcohol had begun affecting “my professional life, my personal life, and my health.”



The transition was far from easy. Looking back on the period that followed, Holland described the first year of sobriety as “the toughest challenge I have ever faced.” The actor explained that navigating social situations became particularly difficult, especially when many gatherings revolved around alcohol.



That experience led him to notice what he felt was a gap in the market for people seeking alternatives. Holland recalled finding few options for those who still wanted to participate in social occasions without drinking alcohol, saying there were limited choices for people looking to enjoy “the social experience without feeling like the only person with a lemonade.”



The idea eventually evolved into BERO, a premium non-alcoholic beer brand introduced in October 2024. According to the company’s website, the brand was inspired by Holland’s own journey and is built around the idea that moderation and enjoyment do not have to be mutually exclusive. 



Holland’s remarks arrive as he prepares for a major year on screen. The actor is set to appear as Telemachus in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of “The Odyssey,” scheduled for release on July 17, before returning as Peter Parker in “Spider Man: Brand New Day,” which is due to arrive in theaters on July 31.

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According to comments from a GQ interview shared by Discussing Film on X, Tom Holland recently revealed that his commitment to Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” created additional development time for the upcoming Marvel film, allowing the creative team to further refine the screenplay before cameras rolled.



<h2>Extra Development Time Changed the Timeline</h2>



Reflecting on the process, Holland said the delay proved invaluable for the project. “We wouldn’t have had the 6 month period to develop the script with Destin to get it to a place where it is now,” he said, referring to the extended window that emerged after production schedules were adjusted.



The actor also expressed confidence in the finished screenplay, suggesting the additional development period helped strengthen the film’s creative direction. “I truly believe that we’ve made the best version of any Spider-Man movie going,” Holland remarked while discussing the current state of the project.



The scheduling adjustment stemmed from Holland’s involvement in “The Odyssey,” Christopher Nolan‘s large scale adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. The picture stars Matt Damon as Odysseus and features an ensemble cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, and Holland as Telemachus. Production on Nolan’s title moved ahead first, requiring changes to the timetable for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”



The fourth MCU “Spider-Man” movie is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and serves as a new chapter for Peter Parker following the events of “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Holland returns alongside Zendaya and Jacob Batalon, with Sadie Sink, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Mando, and Tramell Tillman joining the cast. The film is scheduled to reach theaters on July 31, just two weeks after the release of Nolan’s “The Odyssey.”

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Why Tom Holland Credits ‘The Odyssey’ for Improving ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ - Spoiler US

During filming of The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan, a lighthearted moment on set involving Matt Damon and Tom Holland quickly turned into one of the most talked-about behind-the-scenes anecdotes of the production.



Damon revealed that both he and Holland found themselves jokingly envious after Nolan reportedly described a performance by Zendaya as “perfect”, a level of praise the director is known to rarely give on set.



It was in that same conversational tone that Damon expressed his admiration for Zendaya and Holland’s dynamic, saying he “absolutely adores” them together and that they “deserve each other”.



<h2>Matt Damon on Zendaya and Tom Holland</h2>



Matt Damon recalled how Nolan’s typically minimal feedback style—often reduced to a simple “good”—briefly shifted when the director reportedly called Zendaya’s performance “perfect”, a rare compliment that stood out among the cast during filming in demanding international locations, including Iceland.



Damon also shared that the moment became a running joke on set between him and Holland, especially given the intensity of Nolan’s filmmaking process and the secrecy surrounding the production.



In the same conversation, Damon expressed genuine affection for the couple’s dynamic, saying he “absolutely adores” them together and that they “deserve each other”, framing the comment as admiration for how they carry themselves amid global attention and overlapping blockbuster careers.



<h2>A Nolan Set Defined by Silence, Precision and Rare Praise</h2>



Working on a The Odyssey production is known for its strict discipline, with cast members frequently describing the environment as focused, quiet and highly controlled. Praise from Nolan is reportedly uncommon, which made the reaction to Zendaya’s performance even more notable among the ensemble.



The contrast between the director’s reserved style and the cast’s lighter behind-the-scenes interactions has helped shape early narratives around the film, turning small remarks into widely discussed moments across entertainment coverage.

Matt Damon Praises Zendaya and Tom Holland, Says “They Deserve Each Other”

Matt Damon Praises Zendaya and Tom Holland, Says “They Deserve Each Other” - Spoiler US

Zendaya’s latest comments about working alongside Tom Holland offered a rare personal glimpse into the atmosphere behind Marvel’s billion dollar “Spider-Man” franchise. In a recent interview with Elle regarding “The Odyssey,” the actress reflected on returning to the film series.



<h2>Zendaya Says the Spider Man Films Feel “Like Coming Home”</h2>



While speaking about the next chapter of her career, Zendaya made it clear that the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day carries emotional weight beyond another Marvel appearance. “Spider-Man was a dream; I get to go to work every day with my best friend, the person that I love,” she said, referring to Holland, her longtime partner and co star.



She also painted a surprisingly domestic picture of life on set, noting that the production environment has become deeply familiar after years inside the franchise. “We bring our dogs to work; it’s like a family affair,” Zendaya shared.



The actress added that returning to the “Spider-Man” universe still carries a sense of nostalgia despite the scale of the productions. “We grew up on those movies! It’s like coming home,” she stated.



The fourth MCU “Spider-Man” installment arrives at a major turning point for the character after the ending of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” erased Peter Parker from the world’s memory. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the new film reportedly shifts toward a more grounded New York story while reuniting Holland and Zendaya alongside Jacob Batalon and newcomer Sadie Sink.



Outside Marvel, Zendaya is heading into one of the most crowded periods of her career yet. She will appear in Nolan’s massive mythological adaptation “The Odyssey” as Athena opposite Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway, while also set to return as Chani in “Dune: Part Three” from director Denis Villeneuve.

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Zendaya on Filming ‘Spider Man’ With Tom Holland: “I Get to Go to Work Every Day With My Best Friend” - Spoiler US

Nine years after airing, the Lip Sync Battle episode featuring Tom Holland and Zendaya remains one of television’s most replayed pop culture segments. The episode paired the two co-stars in a head-to-head format, with Holland delivering a high-energy performance of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and the actress responding with a polished rendition of Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic”.



<h2>How Tom Holland and Zendaya Turned Lip Sync Battle Into a Viral Pop Culture Landmark</h2>



When Tom Holland and Zendaya appeared on Lip Sync Battle in 2017, the segment was initially conceived as part of the promotional campaign for Spider-Man: Homecoming. 



What followed quickly exceeded that purpose. Holland opened with a theatrical transition from Singin’ in the Rain into Rihanna’s “Umbrella”, complete with choreography, costume changes, and a rain effect, while Zendaya delivered a sharply executed performance of Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic”, creating a contrast that elevated the segment beyond a typical TV competition.



The performance gained immediate traction after airing, becoming one of the most shared and discussed moments in the show’s history. Holland’s number in particular stood out for its scale and commitment, often cited in retrospectives as a defining example of how celebrity appearances on the series could transcend their promotional intent. 



Over time, the clip evolved into a recurring reference point in pop culture discussions, marking a moment where television, internet virality, and early MCU-era fame intersected in a single performance that continues to resurface nearly a decade later.

Tom Holland and Zendaya’s Lip Sync Battle Moment Marks 9-year Anniversary

Tom Holland and Zendaya’s Lip Sync Battle Moment Marks 9-year Anniversary - Spoiler US

The wait is finally over. Universal Pictures dropped the first full-length trailer for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, giving audiences a massive, sweeping look at the director’s ambitious adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic.



Slated to hit theaters on July 17, 2026, the $250 million production has been shrouded in secrecy for months. While a brief teaser played exclusively in theaters last year, this new trailer officially brings the 10-year voyage of Odysseus to the internet—and it is nothing short of breathtaking. Featuring sweeping IMAX cinematography, glimpses of terrifying mythological threats, and one of the most star-studded ensembles in recent memory, The Odyssey is already positioning itself as the undisputed cinematic event of the summer.



Here is a breakdown of the new footage, the massive expectations surrounding the film, and what Nolan had to say about his leading men.



<h2>A Massive Mythological Scale</h2>



Nolan is famously known for his practical effects and gritty realism, which left many fans wondering how he would handle a story featuring literal sea monsters and angry gods. The new trailer answers that question with deafening, methodical drum beats and awe-inspiring visuals.



<ul><li>The Cast: Matt Damon steps into the lead role of Odysseus, a weary warrior desperate to return to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Anne Hathaway stars as his loyal wife, Penelope, while Tom Holland takes on the crucial role of their son, Telemachus.</li><li>The Antagonists: The footage offers intense glimpses of Robert Pattinson as Antinous, one of the treacherous suitors vying for Penelope’s hand and the throne of Ithaca.</li><li>The Mythological Threats: Nolan isn’t shying away from the fantasy elements. The two-and-a-half-minute trailer features terrifying shots of a massive whirlpool, a towering Cyclops, and Charlize Theron as the enchanting nymph Calypso.</li></ul>



<h2>“The Marvel of Its Day”</h2>



In a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote the trailer, Nolan discussed his approach to the source material. Interestingly, the director—who fundamentally reshaped the modern superhero genre with The Dark Knight trilogy—drew a direct line between ancient Greek poetry and modern comic book blockbusters.



“Even comic book culture, whether you’re talking about Marvel or D.C. or all the rest, a lot of it comes directly from the Homeric Epics,” Nolan explained. “The thing about Homer is, nobody knows if that was a person. Homer, in a way, is the sort of George Lucas of his time… it is the Marvel of its day. It’s very directly this desire for us to feel or believe gods could walk amongst us, and I think the modern comic book is kind of our expression of that.”



<h2>High Praise for Tom Holland</h2>



Considering the film’s cast is packed with actors who have anchored major superhero franchises (including Holland, Pattinson, and Zendaya), Colbert and Nolan naturally touched upon the talent bringing this myth to life.



Nolan, who is notoriously selective about the actors he collaborates with, took a specific moment to single out Tom Holland’s performance as Telemachus. The director made it abundantly clear that he was deeply impressed by the young star’s capabilities on set.



“He’s amazing,” Nolan said of Holland. “I’ve not worked with him before, but I would love to work with him again. I mean, he’s just an incredible talent, as everybody else but me knew before I sort of got into it with him. But he’s so great. I would love to work with him again.”



<h2>The Weight of Expectations</h2>



Adapting one of the foundational texts of Western literature is no easy feat, even for an Academy Award-winning filmmaker fresh off the massive success of Oppenheimer. Nolan is acutely aware of the pressure.



Speaking to the Associated Press recently, the director acknowledged the daunting task of meeting audience expectations. “There’s a massive amount of pressure. Anyone taking on The Odyssey is taking on the hopes and dreams of people for epic movies everywhere, and that comes with a huge responsibility,” he noted.



Drawing from his experience reviving Batman, Nolan added, “What I learned from that experience is that what people want from a movie about a beloved story, a beloved set of characters, is they want a strong and sincere interpretation. They want to know that a filmmaker has gone to the mat for it.”



Judging by the sheer scale, ambition, and visual majesty of the new trailer, it is safe to say that Nolan has, indeed, gone to the mat.



The Odyssey premieres exclusively in theaters and IMAX on July 17, 2026.

Christopher Nolan Unveils Epic First Trailer for ‘The Odyssey’ and Praises Star Tom Holland

Christopher Nolan Unveils Epic First Trailer for ‘The Odyssey’ and Praises Star Tom Holland - Spoiler US

In the ever-expanding legacy of Spider-Man, each new chapter has carried its own emotional weight—but early reports suggest Spider-Man: Brand New Day may push that tradition further than ever before.



Positioned as a continuation of the story left behind by Spider-Man: No Way Home, the upcoming installment is said to explore the quieter, more isolating consequences of Peter Parker’s choices.



<h2>Why Is Spider-Man: Brand New Day So Emotional?</h2>



At the heart of Spider-Man: Brand New Day lies the consequence of the spell cast at the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Peter Parker chose to erase himself from the memories of those he loves. 



According to footage unveiled at CinemaCon 2026, the new film leans heavily into that emotional fallout, portraying a version of Spider-Man who operates in isolation, rebuilding his life from scratch while watching familiar faces—MJ and Ned among them—move on without him. 



Tom Holland has described it as the “most emotional” and “most mature” chapter so far, emphasizing that the story explores identity loss, loneliness, and the quiet burden of doing the right thing without recognition.



Unlike previous entries driven by high-stakes crossovers and multiversal chaos, this installment reportedly grounds itself in absence and disconnection. Scenes shown to audiences depict Peter reintroducing himself as a stranger, even adopting a new name in interactions with MJ—moments that underline how much has been lost rather than what can be saved. 



The emotional weight comes not from external threats alone, but from internal conflict: a hero forced to confront who he is when stripped of every personal anchor. 



Set several years after the events of No Way Home, the film positions Spider-Man as both protector and outsider in New York, suggesting a more introspective narrative where the greatest battle isn’t against villains, but against the cost of being forgotten.

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Reportedly the Most Emotional Spider-Man Film So Far

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Reportedly the Most Emotional Spider-Man Film So Far - Spoiler US

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