Matt Damon devoted six months to filming The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic adaptation of Homer’s classic poem, portraying the legendary hero Odysseus. Despite the demanding nature of this role, Damon’s gratitude for the opportunity remained strong throughout the process, according to colleagues familiar with the production.
The anticipation around the film is high, with Damon leading a remarkable ensemble cast. Nolan veterans Benny Safdie, who acts alongside Damon, and Emily Blunt, who stars in Nolan’s Oppenheimer but is not part of The Odyssey, shared their enthusiasm about the project during a recent discussion with GamesRadar+. Their excitement reflects the promising scope Nolan brings to this retelling of the ancient narrative.
Insider Perspectives Highlight The Odyssey’s Ambitious Scale
Benny Safdie, known for his role as Edward Teller in Oppenheimer and rumored to portray Agamemnon in The Odyssey, described the film’s production as extraordinary in scale and ambition.
If I explained to you the scale of what it was and how it happened, you wouldn’t even believe me. It really was remarkable to see this period of time come to life the way that it did. It was amazing.
Benny Safdie, Actor and Director
Safdie also recalled observing Matt Damon’s dedication during filming:
I would come in and out, and I would see him, and he’d literally have been going through the Odyssey. I would see him, but he would always have this incredible warmth and excitement about what we were doing. And it was just like, ‘This is the greatest.’
Benny Safdie, Actor and Director
Emily Blunt Praises The Odyssey and Reflects on Past Collaboration
Although Emily Blunt is not involved in The Odyssey, she expressed eager anticipation for the film’s release. In a lighthearted comment referencing discussions with Nolan, she quipped:
Listen, Chris and I are gonna have chats, that’s what I’m gonna say.
Emily Blunt, Actress
On a more earnest note, Blunt shared her excitement for the project and acknowledged Damon’s lasting appreciation:
I’m so excited to see The Odyssey. I am, goosebumps, yeah. I mean, Matt is still feeling gratitude at getting to experience something like that.
Emily Blunt, Actress
Blunt has previously worked closely with Benny Safdie on another Nolan-adjacent production, The Smashing Machine, in which she stars alongside Dwayne Johnson. Safdie directed and co-wrote the film, a biopic about UFC pioneer Mark Kerr, showcasing his multifaceted career as both actor and filmmaker.
On-Set Chemistry Fuels Casting Choices in Biopic The Smashing Machine
Safdie reflected on his collaboration with Blunt during their brief yet memorable scene together in Oppenheimer, which informed his casting decisions for The Smashing Machine. Their on-screen chemistry left a significant impression that helped shape the film’s dynamic portrayal of complex relationships.
It was very brief but very impactful!
Benny Safdie, Actor and Director
I was thinking about who could play Dawn, and I had seen that there was this deep friendship between Dwayne and Emily. I realized that this is a complicated relationship that we’re going to explore, and in order to focus on that complication, it’s very important to have a strong foundation of trust and friendship. It only helped to know that Emily is an incredible actor. And in that moment [on Oppenheimer], I felt it. So I didn’t have to do anything other than remember how I felt.
Benny Safdie, Actor and Director
Release Dates Set for The Odyssey and The Smashing Machine
The Smashing Machine is scheduled to premiere in theaters on October 3, offering audiences an intense look at the life of Mark Kerr through its compelling narrative. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey will follow with a worldwide release on July 17, 2026, promising an unprecedented cinematic interpretation of Homer’s timeless tale.
With such a renowned cast and Nolan’s visionary direction, The Odyssey is positioned to be a landmark film event. As Matt Damon leads this ambitious retelling, viewers can expect a powerful exploration of heroism, endurance, and the human spirit, brought vividly to life on the big screen.
