Tom Holland’s role in Christopher Nolan’s film in Imax Odyssey presented the young actor’s learning curve.
As Telemachus in the epic blockbuster, which opened July 17, the actor admitted he “thought I was completely shitting the bed” during his first day on set with the director, who had to take breaks every three minutes due to Imax technology.
“Working with Imax cameras for the first time is an experience,” he told Fandango. “It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before, and I didn’t know it was only three minutes long. So, I remember you kept cutting, and John (Berthal) and I were saying, ‘Why does he keep cutting?’ Why does he keep doing this?”
Holland continued: “And the question in my head was, ‘Does he not like what we’re doing?’ What’s happening?” And then I remember it was actually George Cottle (the stunt coordinator) who said, “No, no, no, no, no, there’s only three minutes in the magazine.” I thought, “Oh, thank God.” I thought I completely shat the bed in that scene.”
Nolan Odyssey became the first film to be shot entirely on Imax cameras. He previously used Imax to create Oppenheimer (2023), Dogma (2020), Dunkirk (2017), Interstellar (2014), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Origin (2010) and Dark Knight (2008).
“One of the greatest pleasures of my career has been being part of the evolution of the filmmaking system,” said Nolan of Odyssey. “What makes me happy about finishing the film entirely in Imax is that other directors might want to do it. I just want to go see someone else’s film when they do it that way.”
A film adaptation of one of the first stories in human history. Odyssey follows Odysseus (Matt Damon) through the incredible trials and mythical encounters he encounters on his ten-year journey home to his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Holland) after the Trojan War.
The film also stars Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia, Will Yun Lee, Rafi Gavron, Shiloh Fernandez, Mia Goth and others.