Actor Robert Pattinson reportedly adopted a playful, antagonistic approach toward his co-star Tom Holland while filming Christopher Nolan’s upcoming historical drama, The Odyssey. During production, Pattinson—who portrays the character Antinous—frequently teased Holland, who plays Telemachus, by jokingly repeating the phrase, “I just want to be your daddy,” to lean into their characters’ tense on-screen relationship.
The film, which is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 17, 2026, marks another collaboration between the two British actors, who have previously appeared together in The Lost City of Z and the Netflix film The Devil All the Time. According to comments shared with Empire, Pattinson found humor in the “slithery” and villainous nature of his character, who in the narrative attempts to marry Telemachus’ mother, Penelope, portrayed by Anne Hathaway, in the absence of Odysseus, played by Matt Damon.
Building Character Dynamics Through On-Set Banter
Pattinson described his performance as an exercise in playing “the worst stepfather you could possibly have.” By leaning into the antagonistic dynamic between Antinous and Telemachus, the actor utilized the repetitive, teasing dialogue to establish a rhythm with Holland between takes. While the behavior was intended for comedic effect on set, it served to solidify the friction required for their scenes in Nolan’s adaptation.
Tom Holland, for his part, characterized the working environment as supportive despite the playful trolling. Speaking to Empire, the actor noted that having a familiar face on set acted as a “safety blanket.” Holland expressed appreciation for Pattinson’s professional approach, stating that he is “always eager to share scenes with Rob” because of the energy and commitment Pattinson brings to his roles.
A History of Collaboration
The professional relationship between Pattinson and Holland spans several years and diverse genres. Their joint projects include The Lost City of Z, where Holland observed Pattinson’s dedication to character work, including when he dropped 35 pounds for the role. Holland later observed Pattinson’s work in The Devil All the Time, where Holland saw him use a wild accent.
The cast for The Odyssey also includes Zendaya, who reunites with both Pattinson and Holland, further connecting the ensemble. As production moves toward the film’s 2026 premiere, interest remains high regarding how these established co-stars will navigate the shifting loyalties and conflicts central to Nolan’s interpretation.
Anticipation for The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is currently slated to open in theaters on July 17, 2026. Audiences and critics will likely be monitoring the project for the specific “villainous energy” Pattinson has teased, as well as the chemistry between the primary cast members.
As the production enters its final stages, no further official announcements regarding the film’s post-production timeline or marketing schedule have been released. Fans of the actors can expect updates via official studio channels as the release date approaches. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on these upcoming performances in the comments section below.