Zendaya is to thank for Tom Holland taking up the offer to appear in Christopher Nolan’s big-hit movie, “The Odyssey.” However, the decision didn’t come so easily.

The friends-turned-lovers formed a bond that turned into a lifetime partnership on the set of “Spider-Man: Homecoming” back in 2021.

Holland recently looked to that foundation when he was presented with the difficult choice of having to choose between “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey.”

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During a recent round table with director Nolan and his co-stars Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon, the British actor revealed how Zendaya convinced him about the role.

In the ancient Greek-inspired fantasy film, Holland plays the role of Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, played by Damon, and Penelope, played by Hathaway.

“To be honest, when I got home after our meeting, I sat down with Z and was like, ‘I’ve been offered this movie.’ And she was like, ‘By who?’ And I was like, ‘It’s the big one,’” he recalled.

When it was confirmed the script came from Nolan, Holland expressed concern about clashing schedules as he was due to begin filming the fourth sequel of the Marvel movie. However, Zendaya encouraged him to go for it, putting her foot down.

“Z said, ‘I’ll leave you if you don’t do The Odyssey,’” he said, according to People Magazine.

Jon Bernthal Praises Zendaya And Tom Holland’s Relationship

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Luckily, Holland listened to his woman and the pair ended up as co-stars in the Nolan adaptation and also in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”

Schedules for both powerhouse movies didn’t end up clashing, as Sony Pictures was able to push back filming dates to make room for the duo.

While on the set of both summer blockbusters, due for release this July, Holland and Zendaya caught the attention of their co-star Jon Bernthal, who couldn’t help but gush about their chemistry.

“Beyond all the movie star stuff and success that guy has, the fact that he has that kind of relationship — and that he loves as hard as he does — makes me so happy. I’m so proud,” he revealed in an interview with Variety.

“The Bear” actor revealed he got to know Zendaya and was in awe of their bond.

Bernthal, who starred alongside Holland in the 2017 movie, “Pilgrimage,” also felt proud to reunite with his former co-star, whom he has known since he was 17.

When Did Zendaya Fall In Love With Tom Holland?

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Although Holland and Zendaya started as friends who were cast as on-screen lovers in the superhero franchise, insiders say a particular moment changed the dynamic.

As reported by The Blast, the London native’s performance of “Umbrella” on “Lip Sync Battle” reportedly swept the Disney alum off her feet as she was amazed by his talent.

“It’s not just sexy, but it shows how amazingly talented he is. It takes a lot of confidence for a straight guy to pull off drag,” a source explained.

Zendaya, who performed “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars, was left in total admiration, changing the way she saw Holland.

Inside Tom Holland And Zendaya’s Secret Wedding

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Despite being global movie stars who met on set, Zendaya and Holland have managed to keep details of their romance super secret, including their wedding.

After confirming engagement rumors in late December 2025, the lovebirds remained quiet on wedding plans until the “Uncharted” actor broke his silence last month.

Following speculations that the pair had secretly gotten married, Holland was asked during an interview how his family members reacted to AI-generated images of their nuptials circulating online.

As The Blast reported, the 30-year-old replied that they weren’t fooled ” because they were all there… That’s all you’ll get on that.”

Tom Holland Entering A New Chapter After ‘The Odyssey’

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Amid the blockbuster-packed summer for Holland, the actor has had time to reflect on what starring in Nolan’s project means for his career.

Describing the opportunity as “a real pinch-me moment,” Holland noted that his role as Telemachus, a young man in search of his father, highlighted how it might be his last chance to play a younger character.

It also helps that his personal life has evolved into a phase, thanks to his marriage to Zendaya. The combination confirms to Holland that he is in a “new chapter” of life, per The Blast.

When Rory McIlroy is gone, he’s not particularly concerned about the impact he’s left on the game of golf. 

McIlroy, 37, was asked about his “legacy past when you’ll be on this Earth” during a press conference on Tuesday, July 14, ahead of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

“I don’t really care,” McIlroy said. “I would like to think that the people that love and care about me think a certain way of me. But I’ll be long gone. I’ll be dead.”

He added, “I don’t think I’ll be seeing what people say about me. I’ll be six feet under. I don’t think I’ll be a ghost.”

Related: Golfer Rory McIlroy and Wife Erica Stoll Make Rare Appearance at Wimbledon

Golfer Rory McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll, were all smiles at Wimbledon. While enjoying their outing in London, the couple was spotted inside the Royal Box on Tuesday, June 30. In one image, McIlroy, 37, and Stoll, 38, shared a sweet smooch while they watched the match. McIlroy sported his Masters green jacket, which […]

Scottie Scheffler got similarly existential when he asked if he cares about his “legacy” on Tuesday. 

“I mean to be completely honest, not really,” Scheffler, 30, told reporters at Royal Birkdale. “I don’t really play for a place in history. I’m not playing for anything like that. Because, this is going to sound a little morbid, but at the end of the day I’m going to live my life and then it’s going to end. And when it ends, I’m going somewhere else and I’m not going to be here anymore.”

Scheffler continued, “Legacy and all that stuff was never really something that motivated me. For me, it was always competition. I loved playing golf. I loved waking up with butterflies because I’m going out to play a tournament and I get a chance to compete today. I love those feelings, and when I retire, I’m going to miss them.”

Ultimately, Scheffler confessed that he has “never once thought about how I’m going to be remembered.”

Scheffler’s comments came one year after he ruminated on his purpose ahead of the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush. 

Related: Bombshell Allegations Revealed About Sherrone Moore, Staffer in New Report

A new investigation revealed that the University of Michigan allegedly knew about former head coach Sherrone Moore’s relationship with staff member Paige Shiver for more than a year before Moore was terminated.  Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel wrote a handwritten note about Moore, 40, and Shiver, 32, in August 2024, two days before Moore’s first […]

“Life goes on,” he said of success. “Is it great to be able to win tournaments and to accomplish the things I have in the game of golf? Yeah, I mean it brings tears to my eyes just to think about because I’ve literally worked my entire life to become good at the sport and to have that sense of accomplishment, I think is a pretty cool feeling. To get to live out your dreams is very special.”

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Still, Scheffler admitted that he isn’t motivated to “inspire somebody else to be the best player in the world.”

“Because what’s the point?” Scheffler questioned. “This is not a fulfilling life. It’s fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment, but it’s not fulfilling from the deepest places of your heart. There’s a lot of people who make it to what they thought was going to fulfill them in life. Then you get there and all of a sudden you get to number one in the world and they’re like, ‘What’s the point?’” 

The 2026 Open Championship begins Thursday, July 16, from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in North West England. 

Roommates, a heartbreaking update has surfaced as Nolan Xavier Wells’ loved ones continue to navigate the loss of the 18-year-old. As his family prepares to honor his life, his mother, Christine Wonsley, is sharing a glimpse into the emotions surrounding the upcoming farewell.

RELATED: Family Friend Who Retrieved Nolan Xavier Wells’ Cell Phone For His Parents Says “It Took About 15 Minutes” (WATCH)

Family Announces Details For Nolan Xavier Wells’ Funeral Service

This week, Christine Wonsley shared a funeral update on her Facebook story, writing, “Planning the funeral of our 18 year old does not feel real. All the emotions are running together. I thank God for the moments of being able to watch videos and hear his laugh again. We miss you so much Nolan. #JusticeForNolanWells #Forever18.” She also shared that all official information regarding Nolan’s funeral and repass will come through her social media accounts and a press release from her legal team, while thanking everyone for the outpouring of love and support.

In another post, Christine shared the official funeral announcement featuring Nolan’s photo and details for his upcoming service on July 20. She noted that the repass will remain private, with passes provided to attendees, and added that security will be present for both the funeral and repass. Christine asked everyone attending to remain peaceful as her family continues to honor Nolan’s memory.

Nolan’s Mother Shares Emotional Memories & Calls For Answers

Christine Wonsley also took to TikTok, where she shared an emotional collage featuring photos and videos of Nolan enjoying life before it was tragically cut short. Alongside the memories, she expressed her heartbreak and frustration over the unanswered questions surrounding his death, writing, “My sonshine why did you have to leave us so soon 😔. This loss feels so unbearable. My heart is completely shattered and still no answers, no communication. All we want is a thorough, honest, transparent investigation.” She ended the post by sharing her love for Nolan while continuing to call for answers with the hashtags #WhatHappenedToNolanWells, #JusticeForNolanWells, and #Forever18.

@christinefnp

My sonshine why did you have to leave us so soon 😔. This loss feels so unbearable. My heart is completely shattered and still no answers, no communication. All we want is a thorough, honest, transparent investigation. We love you baby boy 🩵#WhatHappenedToNolanWells #JusticeForNolanWells #Forever18 🕊️🩵

♬ original sound – Courtney Thomas Bambi

Parents Question What Happened Before Nolan’s Death

More details continue to emerge surrounding the heartbreaking case of Nolan Xavier Wells, as his family previously opened up about the questions they still have surrounding his final moments. As The Shade Room previously reported, Nolan’s parents, Elmore and Christine Wonsley, spoke with ‘Good Morning America’ about whether their son would have willingly remained behind on Horn Island, with Elmore saying he doesn’t believe Nolan would have separated from his group.

Elmore explained that the family always taught Nolan the importance of staying with the people he arrived with, saying, “If you go with five, you come back with five,” and questioned why his son would have gone against that lesson. Christine also shared that Nolan was someone who regularly checked in with his family, but she said he did not reach out on July 4th. At the time, she didn’t immediately become concerned because she knew he was enjoying his final weekend before returning to school and preparing for camp season.

RELATED: Gone Too Soon! Nolan Xavier Wells’ Close Friends Share Heartfelt Tributes Following His Tragic Passing (PHOTOS + VIDEOS)

It’s always a good day when a Western is making waves on streaming — and all the more so when it’s a film that never got its due at the box office. And if you hop over to Netflix right now, you’ll discover exactly that: the platform’s number eight most popular movie in the U.S. is the largely unknown 2021 Western Old Henry.

In one of his handful of features as a leading man — and his first horse opera since The Ballad of Buster Scruggs — Tim Blake Nelson leads the offbeat charge as the titular hero in this fabulous Western that will challenge your perceptions of the genre.

‘Old Henry’ Is One of the Best Unwatched Westerns of the 21st Century

Image via Shout! Studios

Tim Blake Nelson may not be your typical pick for leading man, but when it comes to Old Henry, there’s no one else for the job. Set in the early 20th century, this underrated and criminally overlooked Western follows Oklahoma farmer Henry McCarty as a band of armed men claiming to be the law show up at his doorstep. This group, led by Stephen Dorff‘s charismatic Ketchum, are looking for a missing outlaw named Curry (Scott Haze), who likewise claims to be a lawman. Unsure of whom to trust, Henry — along with his young, looking-for-a-fight son, Wyatt (Gavin Lewis) — is caught between both men, and tries his darnedest to stay out of it altogether. But when violence arrives at his doorstep, the widower can do nothing but wage a one-man war against the party, fighting to keep this life he’s found for himself. Though Old Henry probably isn’t going to come up in casual Western conversation, the results speak for themselves. It truly is an excellent film.

Those looking for something action-packed like James Mangold‘s 3:10 to Yuma or a historical epic like Kevin Costner‘s Dances with Wolves will be disappointed; that’s not what Old Henry is. While the film itself plays no games in its meditations on violence and murder, it prides itself on its intimate, character-driven approach to the Old West. We understand from the very beginning that Henry’s a patient man with a violent past, one who has fought every way he can to leave those old ways behind. He’s also a man of tragedy, and that tragedy is what prompts him to protect his son, keeping him away from firearms and anything resembling his old life.

The slow-burn tension is reminiscent of popular horse operas like Unforgiven, though it subverts the typical genre conventions by keeping McCarty’s true identity under wraps throughout, constantly emphasizing his desire not to fight. (Of course, his true name is only a “twist” if you don’t know your Old West history. It’s not too hard to figure out, but you may appreciate the film more if you don’t look it up.)

Tim Blake Nelson Is a Brilliant Western Gunslinger in ‘Old Henry’

In an effort to keep his son away from the life he once lived, Nelson’s tired old former gunslinger does his best to avoid the conflict entirely. It’s only when he’s forced to confront those who refuse to take no for an answer that he proves himself one of the best Western heroes of the 21st century.

Old Henry concludes with a major twist at the end that solidifies its sobering excellence. The expert craftsmanship of writer-director Potsy Ponciroli is on full display, making this compelling Western a strong testament to the importance of the genre, even all these years after its heyday. Rather than live in the myths of the West, it takes a more revisionist approach by emphasizing Henry’s inability to fully leave that past behind — and reminds the viewer that the legends we’re told are rarely ever the end of the story.

Those who have yet to be initiated into the masterpiece that is Old Henry ought to know right off the bat that Nelson kills it. Henry goes from a humble man of the land to a gun-toting killer in no time, but does so with a meekness that refuses to betray his competence with a weapon. The character’s stoic countenance and mysterious demeanor are simply magnetic, and the farthest cry from Nelson’s previous Western role as the cheerful, happy-go-lucky Buster Scruggs. Old Henry offers plenty of gritty and violent action (that third act is seriously brutal) and period-accurate suspense, and narrative similarities make it exist almost a companion piece to films like Sam Shepard’s underrated Blackthorn. But make no mistake, Old Henry rides laps around the competition, and has been considered one of the best Westerns of the last two decades for a reason. If you haven’t already, add this one to your Netflix watchlist today!

Old Henry is available for streaming on Netflix.

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Old Henry

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Release Date

October 1, 2021

Runtime

99 minutes

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Director

Potsy Ponciroli

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Brendan Fraser‘s career is one of Hollywood’s most remarkable stories. Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, he established himself as one of the industry’s most charismatic leading men, effortlessly bouncing between action blockbusters, broad comedies, heartfelt family films, and thoughtful dramas. Then, after years away from the spotlight, Fraser made an extraordinary comeback (with an Oscar in tow) that reminded audiences of the talent they had almost forgotten.

Of course, what makes Fraser’s filmography so enduring is its remarkable range. He could carry a globe-trotting adventure with effortless charm, throw himself headfirst into an outrageous comedy, or deliver deeply emotional dramatic performances with equal conviction. But most importantly, he carries an unmistakable sincerity to every role he plays, making him impossible not to root for. So, for those wanting to go through a good nostalgia hit, why not check out the best of these Brendan Fraser classics?

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Bedazzled (2000)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Elliot Richards (Fraser) is a painfully awkward office worker who’s hopelessly in love with his colleague Alison (Frances O’Connor). And after a chance encounter with a charming Devil (Elizabeth Hurley), Elliot agrees to trade seven years of his soul in exchange for seven wishes that he believes will win him the life of his dreams. Unfortunately for him, every wish backfires as they always come with a comical twist.

As one of Fraser’s most underrated comedies, Bedazzled stands out as it showcases his wide range of talents, given that every new wish transforms him into a completely different character. Whether it’s an egotistical basketball star, an impossibly sensitive intellectual, or an overconfident crime boss, Fraser commits wholeheartedly to every moment of absurdity. His fearless comedy and willingness to make himself the butt of the joke make the film an extremely fun watch, while the story’s underlying message about self-worth gives it an unexpected amount of heart. Sure, it may not receive the same recognition as his other hits, but it deserves your attention, especially as it holds tons of 2000s charm.

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Gods and Monsters (1998)

Image via Lionsgate Films

Set in the fictional final years of filmmaker James Whale‘s (Sir Ian McKellen) life, the retired Frankenstein director finds himself developing an unlikely friendship with his young gardener, Clayton Boone (Fraser). But as Whale’s health deteriorates and painful memories resurface, Boone slowly gains insight into the loneliness, regrets, and extraordinary life of one of Hollywood’s most influential directors.

While McKellen deservedly received praise for his performance, Fraser provides the emotional counterbalance that makes Gods and Monsters such an affecting film. Boone could’ve been the mere “observer”, but Fraser imbues him with compassion, decency, and a quiet complexity that leave audiences hooked as he uncovers the truth behind the revered artist. Frankly, it’s a performance that served as an early indicator of Fraser’s dramatic chops. Elegant, deeply humane, and emotionally devastating, this is a great biopic that people should watch at least once in their life.

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George of the Jungle (1997)

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After being raised by animals following a childhood plane crash, the lovable but hopelessly naïve George (Fraser) spends his days swinging through the jungle with his animal friends. But his peaceful existence is suddenly disrupted when he rescues San Francisco socialite Ursula Stanhope (Leslie Mann), eventually following her back to civilization where he struggles to adapt to a world that makes even less sense than the jungle.

On paper, George of the Jungle could’ve remained as your typical goofy family comedy. Instead, Fraser’s complete commitment transforms the film into something genuinely delightful (abs aside). Throwing himself into the physical comedy with infectious enthusiasm, he makes sure that George remains endlessly adored and sincere rather than simply ridiculous. His natural earnestness allows every joke to land perfectly as audiences are laughing with George, not at him (at least most of the time). Add in the film’s wonderfully self-aware narrator, clever visual gags, sweet romance, and an irresistible sense of fun, and it’s easy to understand why generations continue to revisit this 90s favorite.

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School Ties (1992)

Image via Paramount Pictures

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Set in an elite New England prep school in the 1950s, David Greene (Fraser), a gifted football player, earns a scholarship despite coming from a working-class background. Initially welcomed by his wealthy classmates, David’s popularity begins to unravel when they discover the truth behind his faith, exposing the deep-rooted prejudice lurking beneath the school’s polished exterior.

While School Ties is undeniably a sports movie, its lasting impact comes not from a final match victory, but from its thoughtful examination of discrimination, privilege, and moral courage. Fraser anchors the film through one of his most emotionally resonant performances, by playing David not as an untouchable hero, but a character with vulnerability, quiet dignity, and a growing sense of isolation that becomes increasingly heartbreaking as the story unfolds. The film also benefits from an extraordinary young ensemble that features the likes of Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Chris O’Donnell, and Cole Hauser. A true catapult of phenomenal careers.

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The Mummy (1999)

Image via Universal Pictures

When librarian Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz) uncovers the location of the lost city of Hamunaptra, she recruits charming adventurer Rick O’Connell (Fraser) to guide an expedition into the Egyptian desert. But their treasure hunt accidentally awakens Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo)—an ancient high priest cursed for centuries—unleashing a supernatural force determined to reclaim his lost love and bring devastation to the modern world.

It’s impossible to talk about Fraser’s career without mentioning The Mummy. For one, Rick O’Connell remains one of the great cinematic blockbuster heroes simply because Fraser effortlessly balances rugged action-star charisma with self-deprecating humor and genuine warmth. He’s believable in a fistfight one minute and delivering a perfectly timed comedic line the next. More importantly, the film itself captures a sense of epic adventure that most modern blockbusters often struggle to replicate. Blending horror, comedy, romance, and action into one endlessly entertaining package, The Mummy has only grown more beloved over the years—and will (hopefully) continue to do so through the long-awaited fourth installment.

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The Mummy

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Release Date

April 16, 1999

Runtime

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124 minutes

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