Christopher Nolan's movies are known for their epic scope and brilliant storytelling, and The Odyssey looks like it's going to continue that legacy. The book-to-screen adaptation's cast is incredible, including both Zendaya and Tom Holland. The latter also spoke to his mentor Robert Downey Jr. before starting the movie, but also dropped some knowledge that came from Matt Damon.
What we know about The Odyssey has been fairly limited, although those who have read the source material know what to expect narratively. During an appearance on Today, Holland spoke about joining a Nolan movie for the first time, offering:
I spoke with Robert [Downey Jr.] at length before I started the movie.
Honestly, this makes a ton of sense. While RDJ and Holland have a good mentor/mentee relationship, the Iron Man actor also worked with Christopher Nolan on Oppenheimer. In fact, that's the very project Downey won his Academy Award for. So it certainly seems like the 30-year-old actor spoke to the right person.
While Tom Holland didn't reveal what his Marvel co-star had to say about working with Christopher Nolan, RDJ wasn't the only person who helped him at the start of filming The Odyssey. In the same interview, he name-dropped two of his co-stars, saying:
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.
Working with Christopher Nolan is a dream for many out there, and Tom Holland clearly took his gig at The Odyssey seriously. It sounds like Matt Damon was particularly helpful for him, especially when describing what each actor and crew member brought to the table. In the Uncharted actor's words:
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.
That definitely sounds like an inspiring way to work. Indeed, all of the Odyssey actors have gushed about their experience working with Christopher Nolan and the way that all of the movie's contributors brought their A-game to the project. Lucky for moviegoers, the wait for this new epic blockbuster is finally over.
The Odyssey is in theaters now as part of the 2026 movie release list. Fans will be able to judge the movie for themselves, although The Odyssey's reviews were rather positive.
