Zendaya is to thank for Tom Holland accepting the offer to appear in Christopher Nolan’s hit film, “The Odyssey”. However, the decision was not made so easily.
The friends-turned-lovers formed a bond that blossomed into a lifelong partnership on the set of 2021’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming.”
Holland recently turned to this foundation when faced with the difficult choice of having to choose between “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey.”
Zendaya threatened Tom Holland to star
During a recent panel discussion with director Nolan and his co-stars Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon, the British actor revealed how Zendaya convinced him for the role.
In the ancient Greek-inspired fantasy film, Holland plays 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 I was like, ‘I’ve been offered this movie.’ And she said to me: “By whom?” And I said to myself: ‘This is the biggest one,'” he recalls.
When it was confirmed that the script came from Nolan, Holland expressed concern about scheduling conflicts as he was set to begin filming the fourth Marvel film sequel. However, Zendaya encouraged him to go for it, by putting his 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
Fortunately, Holland listened to his wife and the pair ended up co-starring in Nolan’s adaptation as well as “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
The schedules for the two blockbuster films didn’t end up clashing, as Sony Pictures was able to push back filming dates to make room for the duo.
While filming the two summer blockbusters, set for release in July, Holland and Zendaya caught the attention of co-star Jon Bernthal, who couldn’t help but gush over their chemistry.
“Beyond all his movie star qualities and his success, the fact that he has this kind of relationship – and 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 that he got to know Zendaya and was impressed by their bond.
Bernthal, who starred alongside Holland in the 2017 film “Pilgrimage,” also felt proud to reunite with his former co-star, whom he has known since they were 17 years old.
When did Zendaya fall in love with Tom Holland?
Although Holland and Zendaya started out as friends and were on-screen lovers in the superhero franchise, insiders say one particular moment changed the dynamic.
As The Blast reports, the London native’s performance of “Umbrella” in “Lip Sync Battle” reportedly swept the Disney alum off her feet as she was amazed by her talent.
“It’s not only sexy, but it shows how incredibly talented he is. It takes a lot of confidence for a straight guy to pull it off,” a source explained.
Zendaya, who performed “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars, was left in total awe, changing the way she saw Holland.
Behind the scenes of Tom Holland and Zendaya’s secret wedding
Despite being global movie stars who met on set, Zendaya and Holland managed to keep the details of their romance, including their marriage, a secret.
After confirming engagement rumors in late December 2025, the lovebirds remained quiet about their wedding plans until the “Uncharted” actor broke his silence last month.
Following speculation that the couple had married in secret, Holland was asked in an interview how members of his family had reacted to AI-generated images of their nuptials circulating online.
As The Blast reports, the 30-year-old replied that they weren’t fools “because they were all there… That’s all you’ll get on that.” »
Tom Holland enters a new chapter after ‘The Odyssey’
Amid the blockbuster Dutch summer, the actor 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 searching for his father, highlighted how this could be his last chance to play a younger character.
It also helps that his personal life has moved on to a phase, thanks to his marriage to Zendaya. The suit confirms to Holland that he’s in a “new chapter” in life, according to The Blast.