Matt Damon Reveals Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey‘ Faithfully Adapts Homer‘s Epic Poem
LOS ANGELES, CA – Matt Damon has confirmed that Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey, closely adheres to the narrative of Homer’s original poem, bringing key trials of Odysseus to the big screen with striking fidelity. Speaking with Empire, Damon detailed how the screenplay explicitly depicts iconic moments from the ancient Greek tale.
Damon explained the film charts Odysseus’ arduous journey home following the Trojan War, showcasing pivotal encounters such as those with the Trojan Horse, the Sirens, and the Cyclops. “If it says you’re running for your life from a Cyclops, you’re going to run for your life,” Damon stated, emphasizing the script’s direct approach to the source material.
The actor also highlighted the aspiring scale of the production, recalling his reaction to the construction of a full-sized Trojan horse. “I saw the horse on the beach and I was just like, ‘F-.’ It was just so cool,” Damon said. He recounted a conversation with Nolan about executing scenes involving the horse, where Nolan admitted, “I don’t know. We’ll just get in there and figure it out.”
Damon further noted a scene depicting Odysseus lashed to the mast while navigating the Sirens’ call,stating,”If you’re going to have an existential crisis as you pass the Sirens and you’re lashed to a mast,it’s there.” He affirmed Nolan’s commitment to clarity, adding, “Chris doesn’t hide the ball.”
Filming took place across global locations and involved extensive open-water shoots, thousands of extras, and large practical builds. The Odyssey marks Damon’s third collaboration with Nolan,following Interstellar and Oppenheimer,and he described the experience as “the best” of his career.
