Tom Holland's 'The Odyssey' film fuels debate over language and casting

Actor Tom Holland stars as Telemachus in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic, scheduled for worldwide release on 17 July. Holland defended the film’s use of the modern term “dad” instead of the traditional “father,” saying it is no less accurate and helps make the ancient story feel fresh for contemporary audiences.

The film’s diverse casting has drawn criticism, notably from Greek cultural officials and public figures such as Elon Musk, who accused director Christopher Nolan of “anti‑white racism” over Lupita Nyong’o’s role as Helen and Zendaya’s portrayal of Athena. Holland countered that the informal language and inclusive casting aim to avoid cultural prejudice and bring the story to a broader audience.

Promotional activities have highlighted the technical challenges of shooting with IMAX cameras; Holland likened the crew to an “F‑1 pit crew” and praised their speed and precision. He also appeared on a podcast with historian Tom Holland, discussing the film and the online confusion caused by their shared name.

At the New York premiere Holland said he felt “on cloud nine” and described a tense on‑set confrontation with co‑star Robert Pattinson, noting the intense dynamic added to his performance. The film’s marketing emphasizes its modern visual style and star‑studded cast, including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Charlize Theron.