That meant the script was already in their home before Zendaya’s own part was on the table. Once she read it, she described the adaptation of Homer’s epic poem as “extraordinary” and “so moving.”
The role she eventually landed was Athena, the Greek goddess closely tied to Odysseus’ journey in the original text. The film also stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron and Lupita Nyong’o, with a theatrical release set for July 17.
Zendaya acknowledged the difficulty of adapting a text as old and sprawling as The Odyssey for a modern film audience.
“You would think a piece of literature like this is almost impossible to adapt,” she said, “but if there's anyone who can do it, it's Mr. Nolan.”
Why Holland’s Casting Hit Her First
Before Zendaya had her own role to discuss, she was focused on Holland’s news. In an Access Hollywood interview published July 6, she recalled their reaction when he learned Nolan wanted him for the film.
“He got the call [and] we freaked out,” she said. “It was very exciting. My heart was so full for him.”
That detail matters because it puts the casting news in the very unglamorous place where big career moments often land first: at home, between two people trying to process what just happened.
Zendaya said she also planned to use Holland as a source, because honestly, who wouldn’t?
“I was like, ‘I'm gonna be calling you.’ Like, ‘What was it like?’ Trying to hear all the things,” she said. “I was just so excited and definitely peeking over his shoulder while he was reading because as a fan, I'm curious and I wanted to [know] what is Nolan gonna do next.”
The Moment Zendaya Realized She Might Join Him
The turn came after Holland had another meeting with Christopher Nolan. Zendaya said he returned with a suggestion that changed how she saw the script.
“He came back from another meeting [with Christopher] and he was like, ‘Read this again, but now read it with this character in mind,’” she explained.
That character was Athena. Zendaya said she had not expected to be included in the project at all, which made the offer feel even more meaningful.
“I was incredibly grateful that I just even got to be a part of it, too,” she said. “I didn't see that coming.”
For audiences, the casting gives Nolan’s already closely watched Odyssey one more reason to look twice. For Zendaya, it seems to have started more simply: pride in Holland’s role, curiosity about Nolan’s next move, and one script at home that was apparently too tempting to ignore.
