Robert Pattinson, the 40-year-old British actor who rose to fame as Edward Cullen in the ‘Twilight’ saga, is now being spoken of as the clear standout in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey,’ a $250 million blockbuster set to release this year. The film, already the most anticipated of the year, is being discussed as a potential 2027 best picture Oscar winner. Pattinson’s portrayal of Antinous, the villainous suitor to Penelope (Anne Hathaway), has already drawn praise from critics before the official review embargo lifts. US critic Erik Davis called Pattinson’s performance ‘so conniving, manipulative, and endlessly entertaining to watch.’

From Jacob Black to Antinous: A Surprising Comparison

At a recent world premiere in London, Pattinson made a surprising comparison between his character in ‘The Odyssey’ and Jacob Black from the ‘Twilight’ series. ‘I think they will be rooting for him,’ he told MTV UK. ‘I keep comparing it—it’s kind of like Jacob in Twilight.’ Pattinson explained that his character is trying to help Penelope move on from Odysseus, who has been away for years. ‘It’s like, ‘It’s fine. He’s dead, get over it,’ he added. This candid insight highlights how Pattinson has evolved from a teen idol into a serious actor tackling complex roles.

A Career Built on Defying Expectations

Robert Pattinson’s journey from a teenage heartthrob to an Oscar-contending actor has not been without its challenges. After his breakout role in the ‘Twilight’ saga, he was often typecast, but he has since taken on ambitious and varied projects. He was born on May 13, 1986, in London, and grew up in a family with no ties to the entertainment industry. His early interest in theater led him to join the Barnes Theatre Club, where he honed his acting skills. His first major role came in 2005 when he played Cedric Diggory in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,’ which gave him his first taste of stardom and set the stage for his later success.

Despite the global fame from ‘Twilight,’ Pattinson worked hard to shed the image of a pretty boy and prove his acting chops. His decision to take on challenging roles in independent films and arthouse projects helped him build a reputation as a serious actor. Now, with ‘The Odyssey’ and upcoming projects like ‘Dune: Part Three,’ Pattinson is once again making headlines for his bold choices and compelling performances. In ‘Dune: Part Three,’ he plays Scytale, a shapeshifter with dangerous ambitions, according to the official trailer released in 2024.

Behind the Scenes and the Future

For ‘The Odyssey,’ Pattinson had to adjust to the use of IMAX cameras, which are much larger and heavier than typical filmmaking equipment. He described the experience as ‘like a scene with a SUV,’ noting that the camera’s size made him initially think it would be slower to move. ‘Actually, it moves faster than if you were filming with an iPhone,’ he said in a behind-the-scenes video. Director Christopher Nolan, who has long dreamed of directing a full film in IMAX, called the project a lifelong ambition come true.

‘The Odyssey’ is not Pattinson’s only project this year. He also stars in ‘The Drama,’ which is set to stream, and ‘Dune: Part Three,’ which will debut on December 18. These films mark the second and third collaborations with actress Zendaya. Pattinson’s busy 2024 calendar suggests that his career is not only continuing to grow but also solidifying his place as one of the most interesting and flexible actors of his generation.