Zendaya was seen on the Southern Italian set of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey for the first time on Tuesday, wearing a Grecian-style bridal gown that has fans speculating about both her role and her upcoming wedding to Tom Holland. The scene was shot on the Aegadian Isle of Favignana, known for its striking caves of calcarenite rock.
The Emmy-winning actress, producer, and star of Challengers was photographed laughing with crew members while wearing a sleeveless off-white gown and a braided updo. She was also spotted consulting with costume designer Ellen Mirojnick, who held fabric matching her dress.
Photo: Backgrid
Zendaya is reportedly portraying Athena in Nolan’s big-screen adaptation of Homer’s epic, though some speculate she could also be playing Calypso or Nausicaä. Her co-star Matt Damon, playing Odysseus, was also seen on set, shirtless on the rocky beach. Tom Holland, Zendaya’s fiancé, is also part of the film’s cast, playing Telemachus, the son of Odysseus.
Photo: Backgrid
The film’s production began on February 25 and will span Italy, Greece, Morocco, and the United Kingdom. Universal Pictures has confirmed the film is a “mythic action epic” and will use cutting-edge IMAX film technology. It’s scheduled to release in cinemas on July 17, 2026.
The ensemble cast includes Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Charlize Theron as Circe, and appearances from Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and more. With a reported budget of $250 million, The Odyssey is expected to be the most expensive film of Nolan’s career.
Outside of The Odyssey, Zendaya is also set to star as Ronnie Spector in Be My Baby, directed by Barry Jenkins for A24, and will return as Rue in season 3 of Euphoria on Max.
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