Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is bringing several memorable figures from Greek mythology to the big screen but not all of them are heroes. Alongside kings, queens and gods, the epic also features a ruthless villain who stands in Odysseus’ way long after the Trojan War has ended.
That character is Antinous, played by Robert Pattinson. While Odysseus struggles to return home after years of wandering, Antinous takes advantage of his absence and becomes the biggest threat to his family and kingdom.
Who Is Antinous In The Odyssey?
In Homer’s The Odyssey, Antinous is the main human antagonist of the story. He is the most powerful and outspoken among the 108 suitors hoping to marry Queen Penelope after Odysseus doesn’t return.
Antinous and the other suitors settle inside Odysseus’ palace. They feast on his food, drink his wine and spend his wealth while waiting for Penelope to choose a new husband. Throughout the epic, Antinous is shown as arrogant, cruel and determined to claim the throne of Ithaca for himself.
How Does Antinous Trouble Odysseus’ Family?
Antinous constantly pressures Penelope to remarry and openly criticises her for delaying the decision. When Telemachus questions the suitors for taking over his home, Antinous shifts the blame onto Penelope and reveals the trick she had used to postpone choosing a husband.
According to the story, Penelope promised to make her decision after finishing a burial shroud for Odysseus’ father, Laertes. But every night she secretly undid her work which allowed her to delay the marriage for years.
Antinous also plots to kill Telemachus before he can return from his journey to search for news about his father. The plan ultimately fails after Athena steps in and helps him.
His Final Face Off With Odysseus
After spending years away from home, Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca disguised as an elderly beggar. Even then, Antinous shows him no kindness. Instead, he insults the stranger, throws a footstool at him and even encourages a fight between the disguised hero and another beggar named Irus for his own amusement.
The rivalry reaches its climax during Penelope’s famous archery contest. After successfully stringing his old bow and proving his identity, Odysseus turns his attention to the suitors.
Antinous becomes the first to fall. Without warning, Odysseus shoots an arrow through his throat while he is drinking wine.
Robert Pattinson On Playing Antinous
Robert Pattinson has even joked about his character’s role in the story. Speaking to MTV UK, the actor compared Antinous to Taylor Lautner’s Jacob from the Twilight films.
“I think they will be rooting for him,” Pattinson said.
He added, “I keep comparing it—it’s kind of like Jacob in Twilight. What The Odyssey is about — Penelope just can’t make her mind up between the two guys and I’m just trying to like help her make a decision. It’s like, ‘It’s fine. He’s dead, get over it.'”
Christopher Nolan’s Star Studded Cast
Robert Pattinson portrays Antinous in Nolan’s The Odyssey. Matt Damon takes on as lead by portraying Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope and Tom Holland as Telemachus.
The film also stars Zendaya as Athena, Charlize Theron as Calypso, Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy, Jon Bernthal as Menelaus and Benny Safdie as Agamemnon. The supporting cast includes Samantha Morton as Circe, Himesh Patel as Eurylochus, Elliot Page as Sinon and Bill Irwin.
The Odyssey will release this Friday, July 17.
Also Read: Meet Athena, The Powerful Goddess Zendaya Plays In Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey
