Robert Pattinson says his ‘The Odyssey’ character is like Jacob from ‘Twilight’

Robert Pattinson may be playing "The Odyssey’s" main villain, but he doesn’t think fans will turn against him — and he has an unexpected reason why.

Pattinson, 40, compared his role as Antinous in “The Odyssey" to popular “Twilight” character Jacob during a recent interview with MTV UK at the London world premiere of Christopher Nolan’s epic action-fantasy film.

The British actor was asked what it was like to take on a role where his character is not the one audiences are meant to root for. He suggested that audiences might actually end up supporting Antinous.

“I think they will be rooting for him. I keep comparing it, it’s kind of like Jacob in Twilight,” Pattinson said. 

He explained that Penelope’s struggle to choose between two men reminded him of the love triangle in the vampire franchise.

When asked if Antinous was basically “gaslighting girlboss,” Pattinson said in jest, “Yeah. Like, it’s fine. He’s dead. Get over it,” referring to Odysseus.

He laughed as he referenced Taylor Lautner’s Jacob from the blockbuster fantasy-romance franchise that helped establish Pattinson’s career. While "The Odyssey" and "Twilight" may have little in common, Pattinson was likely pointing to Jacob’s long-running efforts to win Bella’s (Kristen Stewart) heart away from Edward (Pattinson). Although Jacob was Edward’s romantic rival, he still had some fans rooting for him.

In "The Odyssey," Pattinson plays Antinous, the main antagonist and one of the many suitors who pressure Queen Penelope (Anne Hathaway) to marry him while her husband, King Odysseus (Matt Damon), is away. 

The film follows Odysseus’ perilous journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, as he faces battles with mythical creatures and other dangers while trying to reunite with his family. Christopher Nolan’s "The Odyssey," which arrives in cinemas on July 15, also stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, and Mia Goth.