Nearly 15 years after leaving the Twilight franchise behind, Robert Pattinson has found an unexpected link between his latest role and one of its most memorable love triangles.
While discussing his character Antinous in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Pattinson compared the role to Taylor Lautner’s Jacob Black from the Twilight films. Speaking to MTV UK, the actor said audiences may find themselves supporting his character despite his rivalry with the story’s hero, reports Deadline.
“I think they will be rooting for him,” Pattinson said. “I keep comparing it—it’s kind of like Jacob in Twilight.”
He explained that Antinous is one of the suitors pursuing Penelope while her husband, Odysseus, remains missing.
“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,'” he said.
Based on one of the earliest surviving works of literature, The Odyssey follows Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he faces mythical creatures and dangerous trials during his decade-long journey home after the Trojan War. Waiting for him in Ithaca are his wife Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway, and their son Telemachus, portrayed by Tom Holland. Pattinson plays Antinous, a suitor seeking both Penelope’s hand in marriage and Odysseus’ throne.
The ensemble cast also includes Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia, Will Yun Lee, Rafi Gavron, Shiloh Fernandez and Mia Goth.
Pattinson rose to global fame in 2008 as vampire Edward Cullen in Twilight, adapted from Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novels. Across the franchise, Edward competed with werewolf Jacob Black, played by Taylor Lautner, for Bella Swan’s affection. Kristen Stewart starred as Bella in the five-film series, which included New Moon (2009), Eclipse (2010), Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011) and Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012).
