Holland Says Odyssey Built His Actor Confidence
Tom Holland credits working on Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey with giving him a confidence as an actor he previously lacked.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Action/Adventure
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Tom Holland said working on Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey gave him a level of confidence as an actor he did not previously have, speaking at a recent Q&A in London. Holland plays Telemachus, son of Odysseus, in the film, which has earned $1.8 billion worldwide.
Why it matters
The remarks come as the film, an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek poem, has sold out IMAX screens for months and posted substantial global box office returns. Holland's comments offer insight into how a large-scale production shaped a performer's sense of his own abilities.
The Odyssey has earned $1.8 billion worldwide, and Nolan got through 400 miles of film during production. The extraction does not detail the production budget or how the earnings compare with rival releases.
The players
Tom Holland
British actor best known for playing Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, who plays Telemachus in The Odyssey.
Christopher Nolan
Acclaimed British-American filmmaker known for large-scale original films such as Inception and Oppenheimer, who directed The Odyssey.
The details
At a recent London Q&A, Holland said the experience of working on the film gave him confidence he did not previously have as an actor. The Odyssey was shot on location around the world, including remote caves in Greece and the open sea, and follows Odysseus on a decade-long journey home after the Trojan War, with Matt Damon in the lead role.
Timeline
Holland's remarks were made at a recent Q&A in London; the exact date was not specified.
Industry Dynamics
Nolan's adaptation of Homer's ancient epic places a large-scale, original-style production inside the tradition of classical literary adaptation. The film's global earnings suggest that big-budget studio releases continue to draw strong international audiences.
Viewers interested in the film can check local theaters for showtimes, as IMAX screenings sold out for months. The extraction does not specify current streaming or home-release availability.
The takeaway
Holland's experience suggests that a demanding production can build an actor's self-assurance as well as their skills. Readers interested in the film's story can consult Homer's original poem for the source material behind the adaptation.
Further reading
Explore more Action/Adventure films to see how blockbuster epics like this one are made.
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