"Tomdaya" Dominates Summer Movies

BY EVERLEIGH MCCORMACK

Whether you are a history fan, superhero lover or pop-culture enthusiast, Tom Holland and Zendaya have most likely given you something to talk about this summer. Two record-breaking movies hit the cinema: “The Odyssey” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Although the two have drastically different plotlines, they have one thing in common. Both movies star Holland and Zendaya, a notable duo both on and off the screen.

According to “ELLE Magazine", the two met while filming “Spider-Man: Homecoming” in 2016. Despite ongoing rumors of a romance between them, the pair did not confirm their relationship until 2021. Then, in 2025, fans were delighted to see Zendaya wearing an engagement ring at the Golden Globes, a revelation of their committed status. Most recently, in June of 2026, Holland shared that they had gotten married secretly months before the announcement. They kept their wedding secret, as they did with their private relationship, and not many details have been released.

Students were among the many who flocked to cinemas to watch this highly anticipated movie. Moksha Jain ’29 called “Spider-Man” “the best movie of the summer. Tom and Zendaya are like mama and papa! I've watched [Spider-Man] so much, and I love it." “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” continued the extremely popular “Spider-Man” franchise, in which Holland began starring in 2016. According to “Entertainment Weekly,” “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is the third highest-grossing

movie of all time, garnering $2.4 billion.

“The Odyssey” was the work of Christopher Nolan, a well-known director who films his movies without relying on CGI or green screens. “The Odyssey” was based on Homer’s epic about Odysseus, a hero during the Trojan War. Nolan's recreation of the classic and beloved poem is the first feature film to be shot entirely in IMAX, according to “CBS News.” “Entertainment Weekly” reported that “The Odyssey” has become Nolan's highest-grossing film. Ella Sanai ’27 said, “My favorite scene was when Odysseus returned to Ithaca and killed the suitors!”