Zendaya is continuing to embrace method dressing while promoting “The Odyssey,” turning heads with a series of Greek goddess-inspired looks that pay tribute to her character, Athena.
The actress has captivated fans throughout the film’s global press tour with fashion choices that blend high couture with mythological influences.
As anticipation builds for Christopher Nolan‘s epic adaptation, Zendaya has also shared a behind-the-scenes story about how her husband Tom Holland surprised her with the news that she had been cast in the film.
Zendaya continued her streak of fashion-forward appearances while promoting “The Odyssey,” stepping out in New York with another look inspired by her role in the highly anticipated epic.
The actress, 29, was spotted greeting fans and signing autographs outside her hotel ahead of the film’s New York premiere on Tuesday.
For the outing, she embraced a goddess-inspired aesthetic in a flowing white dress featuring subtle grey stripes, a plunging neckline and a belted waist. She completed the ensemble with lace-up heels that climbed to just below her knees and styled her cropped hair in defined curls.
Later in the day, Zendaya changed into a second all-white outfit, opting for a fitted T-shirt-style midi dress with a bold cutout that highlighted her midriff. She paired the look with pointed stilettos and sparkling drop earrings.
The actress portrays Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of “The Odyssey.” In the film, Athena serves as a guide and protector to Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he navigates his long and dangerous journey home following the Trojan War.
Fans Were Blown Away By The Actress’s Goddess-Inspired Look
On social media, fans couldn’t help but praise Zendaya for her stunning outfit and how well she wore it.
Reacting to the look, an individual noted, “She looks STUNNING! Styled to perfection.”
“Awww this dress is so so beautiful. With that hair??? Stunning,” another person said on Instagram about the look.
A third person wrote, “Absolute perfection!!!! She wears this look so well. Those gladiators omg.”
“And they did it again… She can wear a bag of potatoes and will look amazing,” another fan commented.
Several others praised Zendaya’s stylist, Law Roach, for the look, emphasizing how well the pair work together.
Zendaya Channels A Greek Goddess Throughout ‘The Odyssey’ Press Tour
Known for aligning her fashion choices with her projects, Zendaya has consistently incorporated elements of Greek mythology into her promotional wardrobe throughout the film’s global press tour.
At the London premiere, she made a dramatic statement in a sculptural Schiaparelli couture gown featuring a metallic breastplate-inspired bodice and coordinating choker. The striking design debuted just hours earlier during Paris Couture Week.
She later switched into a nature-inspired ensemble featuring a leaf-patterned bodice and flowing chiffon skirt while posing alongside her castmates.
For the Paris premiere, Zendaya leaned even further into the mythology theme, wearing a white lace gown complete with dramatic cutouts and a cascading cape. She finished the look with a braided hairstyle and stone jewelry reminiscent of ancient Greek iconography.
Based on Homer’s classic epic poem, “The Odyssey” follows the legendary King Odysseus as he embarks on a perilous voyage home after the Trojan War, determined to reunite with his wife, Penelope.
Tom Holland Applauds Zendaya’s Bold Creative Choices
The project has been described as one of Nolan’s most ambitious undertakings to date. With a reported budget of $250 million, it is the most expensive film of his career and the first to be shot entirely using IMAX 70mm cameras.
The star-studded cast includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Travis Scott, and Elliot Page.
Damon leads the film as Odysseus, while Hathaway portrays Penelope, who must navigate mounting pressures and unwanted suitors during her husband’s prolonged absence.
Beyond the film itself, fans have also been captivated by the opportunity to see Zendaya and Tom Holland share the screen.
During the film’s promotional tour, Holland praised his wife for the confidence and creativity she brings to her performances.
“She makes big choices when she plays characters,” he told Entertainment Tonight, explaining that he admires her willingness to fully commit to a character and make them feel authentic.
Zendaya Reveals How Tom Holland Surprised Her With The Odyssey Casting News
Meanwhile, Zendaya recently revealed that Holland played a special role in sharing the news that she had been cast in “The Odyssey.”
Speaking with the Associated Press, the actress recalled how her husband, who portrays Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, surprised her with the announcement after returning from a meeting with director Christopher Nolan.
According to Zendaya, the pair had been reading through the film’s script together when Holland encouraged her to take another look.
“He was like, ‘Read it again,” she recalled. “And I was like, ‘OK.’ And he was like, ‘But now, think of Athena.”
The hint immediately gave away the surprise. “I was like, ‘Stop right now! You’re joking!” Zendaya said of her reaction.
Looking back, the actress described the moment as especially meaningful because Holland had been entrusted with delivering the news himself. “He was allowed to be the one to tell me, and that was really special,” she said.
Zendaya explained that she had already been thrilled when Holland landed a role in the highly anticipated film, making her own casting an unexpected bonus.
“I was already on cloud nine,” she said. “The fact that I even got to be involved as well was like just this cherry on top.”