Tom Holland will return to theaters as Spider-Man in July 2026, but before that, he will star in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming historical epic, The Odyssey. Speaking to Agence France-Presse, Holland gave Nolan’s follow-up to Oppenheimer exceptional praise, describing the Christopher Nolan The Odyssey script as
“the best script I’ve ever read.”
Star-Studded Cast Brings The Odyssey to Life
The Odyssey features a vast ensemble cast that includes Matt Damon, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, and Himesh Patel, among others. Damon takes on the role of Odysseus, the central figure of the ancient epic, while Holland portrays Telemachus, Odysseus’s son. Many of these actors have previously collaborated with Nolan, although this marks Holland’s first opportunity to work alongside the acclaimed director.
Christopher Nolan’s Collaborative Directing Style
Holland spoke positively about the experience of working with Nolan, highlighting the director’s openness to collaboration. He described Nolan as someone who “knows what he wants,” yet fosters an environment where actors can contribute ideas and explore character development freely.
Chris is a real collaborator. He knows what he wants … but it is not an environment where you can’t pitch ideas or build characters in certain ways,
Holland said to AFP.
The Odyssey Follows Nolan’s Award-Winning Success
The Odyssey follows Nolan’s highly successful film Oppenheimer, which made a significant impact during the 2024 awards season. Oppenheimer secured numerous Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting honors for Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. Its technical achievements were also recognized with wins for Best Original Score by Ludwig Göransson, Best Cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema, and Best Editing by Jennifer Lame.
The anticipation for The Odyssey is intense, with early ticket sales for the film’s 70mm IMAX screenings in July 2026 selling out within minutes, demonstrating Nolan’s continuing prominence in cinema.
Tom Holland’s Upcoming Roles and Career Momentum
Summer 2026 marks a busy period for Holland, who has taken a few years away from the screen since his last film, 2022’s Uncharted. Besides leading Apple TV+’s series The Crowded Room in 2023, this new role in The Odyssey signals a meaningful return to significant film projects. Shortly after The Odyssey releases, Holland will reprise his role as Spider-Man in Brand New Day, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
I think we were really restricted with what we could do in the last movie because of COVID,
Holland shared on Flip Your Wig in July.
We shot the entire film on stages, and now we’re really going to lean into that old-school filmmaking and shoot in real locations, which is why we’re starting in Glasgow. We’re going to use the streets of Glasgow for this massive set piece that we’re putting together.
Building Excitement for Both Films in 2026
Fans of Tom Holland have much to anticipate with the July 2026 releases of two highly anticipated films: Nolan’s historical epic The Odyssey and the fresh iteration of Spider-Man in Brand New Day. Holland’s enthusiastic endorsement of the Christopher Nolan The Odyssey script, along with the director’s acclaimed cinematic track record, positions the film as a major event in the 2026 movie calendar. Holland’s dual roles will showcase his versatility and mark an exciting period in his career trajectory.
