Zendaya is to thank for Tom Holland taking up the offer to appear in Christopher Nolan’s big-hit movie, “The Odyssey.” However, the decision didn’t come so easily.
The friends-turned-lovers formed a bond that turned into a lifetime partnership on the set of “Spider-Man: Homecoming” back in 2021.
Holland recently looked to that foundation when he was presented with the difficult choice of having to choose between “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey.”
During a recent round table with director Nolan and his co-stars Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon, the British actor revealed how Zendaya convinced him about the role.
In the ancient Greek-inspired fantasy film, Holland plays the role of Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, played by Damon, and Penelope, played by Hathaway.
“To be honest, when I got home after our meeting, I sat down with Z and was like, ‘I’ve been offered this movie.’ And she was like, ‘By who?’ And I was like, ‘It’s the big one,’” he recalled.
When it was confirmed the script came from Nolan, Holland expressed concern about clashing schedules as he was due to begin filming the fourth sequel of the Marvel movie. However, Zendaya encouraged him to go for it, putting her foot down.
“Z said, ‘I’ll leave you if you don’t do The Odyssey,’” he said, according to People Magazine.
Jon Bernthal Praises Zendaya And Tom Holland’s Relationship
Luckily, Holland listened to his woman and the pair ended up as co-stars in the Nolan adaptation and also in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
Schedules for both powerhouse movies didn’t end up clashing, as Sony Pictures was able to push back filming dates to make room for the duo.
While on the set of both summer blockbusters, due for release this July, Holland and Zendaya caught the attention of their co-star Jon Bernthal, who couldn’t help but gush about their chemistry.
“Beyond all the movie star stuff and success that guy has, the fact that he has that kind of relationship — and that he loves as hard as he does — makes me so happy. I’m so proud,” he revealed in an interview with Variety.
“The Bear” actor revealed he got to know Zendaya and was in awe of their bond.
Bernthal, who starred alongside Holland in the 2017 movie, “Pilgrimage,” also felt proud to reunite with his former co-star, whom he has known since he was 17.
When Did Zendaya Fall In Love With Tom Holland?
Although Holland and Zendaya started as friends who were cast as on-screen lovers in the superhero franchise, insiders say a particular moment changed the dynamic.
As reported by The Blast, the London native’s performance of “Umbrella” on “Lip Sync Battle” reportedly swept the Disney alum off her feet as she was amazed by his talent.
“It’s not just sexy, but it shows how amazingly talented he is. It takes a lot of confidence for a straight guy to pull off drag,” a source explained.
Zendaya, who performed “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars, was left in total admiration, changing the way she saw Holland.
Inside Tom Holland And Zendaya’s Secret Wedding
Despite being global movie stars who met on set, Zendaya and Holland have managed to keep details of their romance super secret, including their wedding.
After confirming engagement rumors in late December 2025, the lovebirds remained quiet on wedding plans until the “Uncharted” actor broke his silence last month.
Following speculations that the pair had secretly gotten married, Holland was asked during an interview how his family members reacted to AI-generated images of their nuptials circulating online.
As The Blast reported, the 30-year-old replied that they weren’t fooled ” because they were all there… That’s all you’ll get on that.”
Tom Holland Entering A New Chapter After ‘The Odyssey’
Amid the blockbuster-packed summer for Holland, the actor has had time to reflect on what starring in Nolan’s project means for his career.
Describing the opportunity as “a real pinch-me moment,” Holland noted that his role as Telemachus, a young man in search of his father, highlighted how it might be his last chance to play a younger character.
It also helps that his personal life has evolved into a phase, thanks to his marriage to Zendaya. The combination confirms to Holland that he is in a “new chapter” of life, per The Blast.