Tom Holland has explained why he felt more at ease on the set of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey once Robert Pattinson joined the cast.
Speaking on Entertainment Weekly's Around the Table, Holland said he felt he "could relax" after learning that Pattinson, best known for his turn as Batman, was set to play Antinous in the film.
Holland is among the leads in Nolan's take on Homer's ancient epic, one of the most anticipated releases attached to the director's name.
Pattinson's casting as Antinous places him in the role of one of the story's suitors, a character with a sharp, unlikeable edge.
That, Holland suggested, was exactly why he felt reassured. He praised Pattinson's ability to play a difficult character, telling the actor, "You're so good at being a dickhead."
The remark came across as a compliment rather than a jab. In the context of the film, Antinous is not meant to be charming, and Holland's comment pointed to Pattinson's range in that kind of part.
Photo: deadline.com
The Odyssey brings together a group of well-known actors under Nolan, whose films have drawn large audiences worldwide. His projects tend to attract attention long before release, and casting news has been closely followed.
Homer's poem tells the story of Odysseus and his long return home after the Trojan War. The tale has been adapted for stage and screen many times, and Nolan's version has generated interest across international markets.
Holland's own profile has grown steadily through his work in the Spider-Man films, which have made him one of the more recognisable young actors working today.
Pattinson, meanwhile, has moved between big-budget features and smaller independent films since his early fame in the Twilight series. His performance as Batman drew wide praise and reset how audiences viewed him.
His comments on Around the Table offered a small look at the atmosphere on set, where the cast appears to have built an easy rapport during production.
Source: Deadline
