Hollywood star Zendaya has been spotted for the first time on the set of Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated adaptation of The Odyssey, sporting a stunning Grecian gown.
The 28-year-old actress and producer was seen laughing with crew members while filming on the picturesque Italian island of Favignana, part of the Aegadian archipelago known for its dramatic limestone caves.
Dressed in a simple off-white, sleeveless gown with a classical drape, Zendaya embodied the timeless elegance of ancient Greece. Her hair was styled in a braided updo, adding to the authenticity of her character’s aesthetic. She was also seen consulting with costume designer Ellen Mirojnick, hinting at the meticulous attention to historical and mythological detail in Nolan’s production.
While the specifics of Zendaya’s role remain under wraps, speculation is mounting that she will portray the Greek goddess Athena, a key divine figure who guides Odysseus on his arduous journey home. Other theories suggest she may play Calypso, the enchanting nymph who detains Odysseus for years, or Nausicaä, the compassionate princess who aids the hero after a shipwreck.
Joining Zendaya on set was her co-star, Hollywood veteran Matt Damon, who takes on the role of Odysseus, the legendary king of Ithaca. The star-studded cast also reportedly includes Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Odysseus’ steadfast wife, and Charlize Theron as the formidable witch-goddess Circe. Other notable actors attached to the project include Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, Elliot Page, and Mia Goth, promising an epic ensemble for the cinematic retelling of Homer’s masterpiece.
Filming for The Odyssey officially began on February 25 and is set to take place across multiple locations, including Greece, Morocco, and the United Kingdom. The film, produced by Universal Pictures, is described as a ‘mythic action epic’ and will utilize cutting-edge IMAX technology to bring Homer’s legendary tale to life. With a reported budget of $250 million, it is set to be the most expensive film of Christopher Nolan’s career. The release date is currently slated for July 17, 2026.
Adding to the excitement, Zendaya’s fiancé, Tom Holland, has also joined the cast as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus. This marks the fourth film collaboration between the couple, following their successful pairing in the Spider-Man franchise.
The story of The Odyssey has been adapted for the screen multiple times, including the Coen Brothers’ 2000 satire O Brother, Where Art Thou? starring George Clooney and the 1997 NBC miniseries featuring Armand Assante. More recently, Uberto Pasolini’s The Return (2024) featured Ralph Fiennes as the wandering hero. However, Nolan’s version promises to be the most ambitious retelling yet, blending historical grandeur with cutting-edge cinematic techniques.
Beyond The Odyssey, Zendaya continues to expand her career, with reports confirming she will star as singer Ronnie Spector in Barry Jenkins’ upcoming biopic Be My Baby. Meanwhile, she is also reprising her Emmy-winning role as Rue Bennett in the third season of HBO’s Euphoria, which recently resumed production in Los Angeles.
As anticipation builds for The Odyssey, Greek audiences and fans worldwide eagerly await Nolan’s visionary take on one of the most enduring stories of Western civilisation.
(Source: Daily Mail UK)