Tom Holland pressed Sony Pictures boss Tom Rothman to delay Spider-Man: Brand New Day so he could join Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, due to overlapping production starts.

Holland said the conversation went well, helped by Nolan’s reputation, and The Odyssey proceeded on schedule, finishing nine days early.

The delay gave extra time to refine The Odyssey’s script and lock in Destin Daniel Cretton as director, a move Holland believes is crucial to the film’s quality.

The Odyssey stars include Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Zendaya, among others.

Brand New Day features a loaded cast with Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando, and Mark Ruffalo, with rumors about a Jean Grey role for Sink.

The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day are set for back-to-back summer premieres, with The Odyssey releasing on July 17, 2026, and Brand New Day on July 31, 2026.

Destin Daniel Cretton is highlighted as instrumental in shaping Brand New Day, with Holland coordinating closely with the studio and producers Amy Pascal and Rachel O’Connor.

Holland took a multi-year break from acting before The Odyssey and Spider-Man 4, citing burnout and a need to regroup.

Holland praises Nolan’s preparation style as unparalleled and set-focused, contrasting it with typical Marvel production approaches.

Holland hints at aging and baton-passing discussions for Spider-Man, suggesting openness to continuing in the role beyond 30 and ongoing talks about the character’s future.

Holland says lessons from The Odyssey influenced Brand New Day to have a clearer purpose and plan, beyond merely capitalizing on the franchise.

The Odyssey wrapped on schedule, with Holland taking a two-week break before starting Brand New Day.