Who was Antinous in The Odyssey? Robert Pattinson's character, explained

In the upcoming Christopher Nolan epic action fantasy film, The Odyssey, actor Robert Pattinson is set to appear as Antinous, one of Penelope's suitors. In Homer's epic, Antinous is one of the wealthiest and most arrogant suitors competing for Penelope’s hand while Odysseus is away.

Set for release on July 17, 2026, Nolan’s The Odyssey features a massive ensemble cast. Matt Damon leads the cast as Odysseus, with Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Tom Holland in major roles. Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, Jon Bernthal, Elliot Page, Mia Goth, Himesh Patel, and other actors are also featured in the highly anticipated project.

Robert Pattinson’s Antinous: A closer look at the villain from Homer's epic the Odyssey

Antinous is one of the main antagonists in Homer’s Odyssey, known for his ambition, pride, and complete disregard for the values that defined ancient Greek society.

In the Greek epic, Antinous is one of the main suitors for Penelope and the most arrogant of them all. He leads the plot to kill Telemachus, disrespects the household, and abuses the hospitality of Odysseus’ home. His cruelty makes him the first suitor Odysseus kills when he finally returns.

He is basically the poster child for entitlement. There’s no dramatic backstory or tragic childhood; Antinous simply shows up already wealthy, loud, and completely sure of himself.

He treats Odysseus’ home like it’s his personal lounge, eats whatever he wants, and pressures the other suitors to drain the place dry. What makes him interesting, though, is that he’s not chaotic; he’s calculated.

Antinous knows exactly what he’s doing when he goes after Telemachus or mocks the rules of hospitality (xenia). In a way, he represents what happens when someone gets so used to privilege that they stop noticing anything outside their own desires.

He challenges the authority of the royal family, mocks the traditions of Ithaca, and positions himself as a force ready to reshape the kingdom in his own interest.

Antinous’ defining historical significance in Greek literature lies in how he represents hubris, the kind of excessive pride that invites divine and human retribution. He becomes a symbol of what happens when social order collapses and power is abused.

His eventual downfall is not merely a moment of revenge but a restoration of justice. Through Antinous, Homer illustrates the consequences faced by those who place their own ambition above honor, respect, and the ancestral laws that hold a community together.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is set to premiere on 17 July 2026, and while the production boasts an all-star cast and sweeping visuals, it remains to be seen just how convincingly the Tenet star will embody the ruthless suitor-villain.

Stay tuned for more updates on The Odyssey.

Edited by Suchita Patnaha