Zendaya connects to her character in The Odyssey in a deeper manner. The actress has revealed why the character is similar to her real-life personality in more ways than one.

Zendaya discusses playing Athena in The Odyssey

Speaking with Elle, Zendaya spoke in depth about playing Athena, the goddess of wisdom, in The Odyssey. The Hollywood star mentioned that she’s got a lot in common with Athena. “In many ways, it feels very fitting that that would be the pairing for me,” she said.

She revealed how, despite being just 29, many people reach out to her for guidance. In fact, she’s been called an old soul since childhood. “I don’t know what that is, I just feel like I’ve been here before,” she added. “So that means I spent a lot of time with my parents.”

She also mentioned that for the first couple of years, she spent a lot of time with her grandmother. “We would sit and hang out and watch Jerry Springer and make root beer floats. Take the bus and go get ice cream and walk around. So I guess the old lady in me was born from the beginning,” she said. “I think I do have wisdom to offer, but I also do still feel like a f*****g kid. Like what the f**k, I’m about to be 30? I still feel like a child inside.”

(Photo Credit: Universal Pictures)

Zendaya will be seen alongside Tom Holland in Christopher Nolan’s epic adventure movie. The ensemble cast also includes Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Charlize Theron as Circe, Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy/Clytemnestra, Jon Bernthal as Menelaus, and Benny Safdie as Agamemnon. Samantha Morton, Mia Goth as Melantho, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, and Travis Scott are also in key roles.

As for Zendaya, she’s set to feature in another big movie after The Odyssey. Alongside Holland, she will reprise her role of MJ in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. It’s set to release on July 31, 2026.

Speaking of The Odyssey, it’s set to hit theaters in July 2026.