Not many collaborations ignite as much buzz as the one between director Christopher Nolan and actor Matt Damon. Their previous projects have impressed audiences and their latest film together, i.e. The Odyssey could possibly do the same.
The movie draws inspiration from one of literature’s most inspiring and enduring epics, promising to draw the viewers into a world of mythology and adventure. However, the decision to cast Damon in the lead is a bit skeptical, and here’s why!
Is Matt Damon the right choice to play the lead in The Odyssey?
In December 2024, it was announced that Christopher Nolan’s next directorial would be an adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey, and Matt Damon would play the titular Greek hero, Odysseus. But the actor’s previous performances in similar genres have made people question if Damon can carry the weight of this film.
He played Jean De Carrouges in Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel, a film that was set in 14th-century France and recounted the true events of the last legally sanctioned duel in the country’s history. While the movie’s narrative was praised, Damon’s accent was all over the place and he couldn’t embody the demeanor of someone who belonged to that era.
In The Great Wall, we saw the actor William Garin, a European mercenary in ancient China. This time around, not only was the film criticized but Damon’s performance was also picked apart for being one-dimensional, and without any authenticity. So, it’s only natural for the audience to be somewhat doubtful about whether or not the Good Will Hunting star can fit into Greek mythology.
First look at Matt Damon’s Odysseus and Christopher Nolan’s vision
The first official image of Matt Damon as Odysseus has been released, and it offers a glimpse into Christopher Nolan’s upcoming tale. In the image, you can see Damon adorned in traditional Greek armor, with a flared red accessory etched in his helmet, and a murky gray cape.
His rugged and determined expression adds to the look of a warrior who’s faced wars and a tiresome journey. So the visuals seem to honor the era’s classical look, with a touch of modern cinematic flair. Judging by the image itself, Damon does look the part and one major reason for his starring in The Odyssey could be the rapport he built with Nolan.
The two have previously collaborated in Interstellar and Oppenheimer, so the director is perhaps confident in the actor’s versatility. We’ve all known Nolan to be a filmmaker with a defined vision, who is extremely detailed and dedicated to his work, so it’s unlikely that he’ll take such a big misstep and cast the wrong person as the main character.
The Odyssey will be in theatres on July 17, 2026.
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