Newly surfaced set photos from Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey have sent the internet into a frenzy, and for good reason. The images appear to confirm that none other than Zendaya has joined the high-profile cast of Nolan’s retelling of Homer’s legendary epic. While the director and studio have remained tight-lipped about the cast list and character details, these candid shots are the most concrete evidence yet of the Euphoria star’s involvement.
The photos, snapped on location in a windswept Mediterranean-like setting, show Zendaya clad in a flowing robe that echoes ancient Greek attire, walking alongside other cast members in what appears to be a grand set built to replicate Ithaca or possibly Troy. Fans have speculated for months that Zendaya might be involved, but this is the first real visual hint, and it’s a powerful one at that.
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is being billed as a bold, cerebral reimagining of Homer’s tale, blending his signature non-linear storytelling with the mythic journey of Odysseus. With previous rumours suggesting that Cillian Murphy is set to portray the wandering hero himself, Zendaya’s appearance immediately sparks the big question, who is she playing?
The leading theory? Penelope — Odysseus’ fiercely loyal wife, who waits decades for his return. Others speculate she could be Calypso or even Athena, the goddess who guides Odysseus on his journey. All would be rich, commanding roles, and well within Zendaya’s dynamic range.
Zendaya’s potential casting adds another layer of intrigue to an already star-powered production. Her recent performances in Dune and Challengers have proven she can oscillate between emotionally grounded and mythically enigmatic, a blend that fits perfectly within Nolan’s visionary filmmaking.
Though Warner Bros. and Nolan have yet to officially confirm the casting, the set images are hard to ignore and fans are already rallying around the idea of Zendaya bringing a fresh, modern intensity to one of Greek mythology’s most iconic women.
With production deep underway and a 2026 release rumoured, these behind-the-scenes glimpses have only heightened the anticipation. If the photos are anything to go by, The Odyssey might not just be a reimagining of a timeless journey. It could be Nolan’s most ambitious epic yet, and Zendaya’s most mythic role to date.
Source: CBR
