Robert Pattinson was the only principal cast member reported to request The Odyssey’s script before signing on.
Pattinson joined the film after earlier collaborations with Christopher Nolan, including Tenet. He was part of a major ensemble that also included Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron.
The script was especially protected because Nolan kept the film’s premise and details secret for much of its development. Pattinson’s request therefore reflected an unusual level of caution or interest before committing to the project.
This fact is about the signing process, not about who played the central character. Matt Damon portrayed Odysseus, while Tom Holland played Telemachus. Pattinson played one of the film’s important supporting roles.