Tom Holland credits Christopher Nolan with changing how he sees his acting career

Robert Pattinson also shared a surprising story about Christopher Nolan and Emma Nolan’s preparations for filming

Tom Holland has revealed that working with Christopher Nolan on The Odyssey has given him greater confidence in his abilities and encouraged him to consider new opportunities beyond the roles that have defined his career.

Speaking at a London screening of the Greek epic on Thursday, the actor reflected on what he gained from playing Telemachus, the son of Odysseus. Holland said the experience had given him “confidence and an ambition to see what else is out there for me”.

The actor, who has played Spider-Man for more than a decade, described Nolan’s support as particularly meaningful. He explained that he had admired the filmmaker for years and valued the opportunity to receive his approval after working together.

Holland also credited Nolan and his wife and producing partner, Emma Nolan, with creating an environment in which actors feel encouraged. He said the experience had given him a new sense of achievement and confidence ahead of his next project.

The screening also featured Robert Pattinson, who plays Antinous in the film. He praised the couple and recalled seeing them organise a charity bake sale outside their Los Angeles home just days before travelling to begin filming. Pattinson was amused by how calmly they handled the preparations despite the scale of the production.

The Odyssey was filmed over three months across six countries, on land and at sea. It is also the first feature film shot entirely using IMAX 70mm film cameras, with Nolan reportedly capturing more than two million feet of footage.

Holland is understood to be preparing for a Fred Astaire biopic, a project that could draw on his early experience as a performer in the West End production of Billy Elliot. His comments suggest that the experience of making Nolan’s film has strengthened his appetite for challenging roles.

The actor also joked about one detail from the production, admitting he was unhappy that a close-up of a pimple appeared in the film’s opening scene.