Tom Holland Shares What He Learned While Making The Odyssey with Christopher Nolan

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Credit: Universal

What Is The Odyssey and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Imagine a movie made by a director named Christopher Nolan — he’s famous for making big, smart, and beautiful movies. His new film is called The Odyssey. It is based on a very old book (a "book-to-screen adaptation" just means they turned a book into a movie).

Here are some fun things to know:

• The movie has a huge, star-filled cast.
• Both Zendaya and Tom Holland (yes, Spider-Man!) are in it.
• People who read the original book already know the basic story.
• The movie is now in theaters as part of the 2026 movie release list.
• Critics (people who watch and review movies) gave it mostly happy, positive reviews.

Tom Holland Got Advice Before Filming

Before Tom Holland started working on The Odyssey, he did something smart: he talked to his friend and mentor Robert Downey Jr. (also known as RDJ, the guy who played Iron Man).

Why RDJ? Well:

• RDJ and Tom have a close "mentor/mentee" relationship (like a teacher and student).
• RDJ worked with Christopher Nolan on a movie called Oppenheimer.
• RDJ even won a big prize (an Academy Award, like an Oscar) for that movie.

Tom said simply:

"I spoke with Robert [Downey Jr.] at length before I started the movie."

Important Point: Talking to someone who already worked with Nolan was a smart move. RDJ knew exactly what to expect!

Help From Co-Stars On Set

Tom didn’t only get help from RDJ. While talking on a TV show called Today, he said he was lucky to have help from his co-stars too.

He mentioned:

• Anne Hathaway – they had some of their first filming days together.
• Matt Damon – another big movie star who helped him out.
• Christopher Nolan – Tom called him "an actor’s director," meaning he helps actors do their best and is very kind.

Tom said:

"But you know what? I was really lucky. I was really lucky that I had [Anne Hathaway], and we had some of our first days together. I was lucky that I had Matt [Damon]. And Chris [Nolan] is an actor’s director, you know, he’s so helpful. He’s so kind."

What Matt Damon Taught Him

Matt Damon gave Tom a big lesson about movie-making. Tom explained:

"And one of the things that I love, and Matt has said this while we’ve been on tour, that every movie that he has made has led to this moment. And the same for Chris. So for me, as a young actor, to get to see these titans of our business use every tool that they have in their workshop to build this movie, it’s just a treasure trove of lessons, and I really feel like I left this experience a better actor."

In kid words:

• Matt Damon said every movie he made before helped him get ready for this one.
• Christopher Nolan feels the same way.
• Tom got to watch these "giants" of movie-making use all their skills.
• He felt like he learned a ton and became a better actor.

Important Point: Tom Holland says working on The Odyssey was like a free school for acting — and he grew a lot from it!

How Everyone Felt About the Movie

All the actors in The Odyssey have said really nice things about working with Christopher Nolan. Everyone brought their best effort (their "A-game"). Fans don’t have to wait anymore — the movie is in theaters now!

Summary

• The Odyssey is a new Christopher Nolan movie based on a book, starring Tom Holland and Zendaya.
• Tom Holland asked Robert Downey Jr. for advice because RDJ worked with Nolan before and won an Oscar for it.
• On set, Tom also got help from Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon.
• Matt Damon taught Tom that all past movie experience builds up to big moments like this film.
• Tom says he became a better actor thanks to the "titans" he worked with.
• The movie is in theaters now (2026 releases) and reviews are mostly positive.

FAQ

1. Who is Christopher Nolan?
He is a movie director known for making epic and clever films like Oppenheimer and now The Odyssey.

2. Why did Tom Holland talk to Robert Downey Jr. before filming?
Because RDJ already worked with Nolan on Oppenheimer and won an Academy Award, so he could give Tom helpful advice.

3. What did Matt Damon teach Tom Holland?
He explained that every movie a person makes prepares them for the next one, and Tom felt lucky to learn from such experienced actors.

4. Is The Odyssey in theaters yet?
Yes! It is part of the 2026 movie release list and is playing in theaters now.

5. Did people like the movie?
Yes, early reviews from critics were quite positive.