**Robert Pattinson Reinterprets ‘The Odyssey’ Villain at London Premiere**
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At the recent London premiere of Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of ‘The Odyssey,’ Robert Pattinson shared his unique perspective on his character, Antinous, the suitor of Anne Hathaway’s Penelope. The event, held on July 6, showcased a fresh retelling of Homer’s classic tale, which has captured audiences with its timeless themes of love and longing.
Pattinson, now 40, characterised his role in the film not as that of a traditional villain but rather intriguingly as part of a “love story.” Despite Antinous being portrayed as one of the odious suitors vying for Penelope’s affection, the actor argued that the character isn’t necessarily evil. “I don’t think he’s really the bad guy,” he explained to reporters. “I think he’s just like … It’s a love story!”
In Nolan’s reimagining, Penelope is depicted as a steadfast queen awaiting her husband Odysseus, played by Matt Damon. While Odysseus journeys home from the Trojan War, Antinous, along with fellow suitors portrayed by actors such as Corey Hawkins and Iddo Goldberg, seeks to claim her hand and the throne of Ithaca. The dynamic is further complicated by the presence of Odysseus and Penelope’s son, Telemachus, who is portrayed by Tom Holland and aims to protect his mother during her challenging time.
Pattinson’s playful banter underscores a deeper interaction between his character and Penelope. He quipped, “Penelope is just waiting for Antinous to get older,” suggesting a light-hearted view of their complex relationship.
The actor also expressed his own enjoyment of taking on darker roles, a theme that continues in his upcoming projects, including ‘Dune: Part Three.’ “I do,” he said when asked if he relished exploring his more villainous side. “I like lowering people’s expectations; that’s always my favourite, that’s always my place to be. Undersell and overdeliver, that’s my motto.”
Hathaway, who plays the lead role of Penelope, revealed her off-screen rapport with Pattinson, crediting their connection to shared experiences that extend beyond their individual superhero roles. “I feel like we bonded over dinner, over pizza… lots of pizza,” she recounted in an interview, highlighting the camaraderie that developed during the filming process.
The ensemble cast of ‘The Odyssey’ encompasses a plethora of noteworthy stars, including Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, and Elliot Page, to name a few. The film has already made waves at the box office, securing the third-largest opening for any film in the US this year.
During the London premiere, Pattinson took a moment to commend his co-star Zendaya, with whom he has collaborated on several projects slated for release in the coming years. He affectionately referred to her as “the best” and praised her talent, acknowledging their cumulative work together.
As ‘The Odyssey’ continues to attract both viewers and critical acclaim, Pattinson’s insight into his character presents a fresh lens through which to view this ancient story of love and endurance. The film stands as a notable addition to Christopher Nolan’s impressive oeuvre, merging profound storytelling with an all-star cast.
As audiences flock to cinemas, the question remains: can Antinous, despite his dubious intentions, truly find a place in the heart of Penelope? For now, viewers are eagerly anticipating the developments of this retelling, which promises to weave together love, rivalry, and the complexities of human emotion in a contemporary context.