Matt Damon has offered fresh insights into Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey, sharing significant Odyssey movie details in a revealing interview with Empire. Damon, who stars in the project, described how true Nolan has remained to Homer’s epic while highlighting the ambition and scale of the production.
Nolan’s Film Follows Homer’s Epic Journey
Damon explained that Nolan’s screenplay sticks closely to the structure of Homer’s classic. The film recounts the saga of Odysseus as he struggles to return home after the devastating Trojan War, encountering dangers and mythical creatures along the way. Damon emphasized that the narrative does not skip any of the poem’s landmark moments, including the iconic Trojan horse, the cunning Sirens, and the looming Cyclops.
“If it says you’re running for your life from a Cyclops, you’re going to run for your life.”
— Matt Damon, Actor
Building the Legendary Trojan Horse
Sharing details from behind the scenes, Damon described a striking moment on set involving a life-sized Trojan horse. The production team constructed the massive structure for a key sequence, adding a layer of realism and intensity to the shoot. Damon recalled first seeing the horse on location at a beach, expressing his awe at the magnitude of the set piece.
“I saw the horse on the beach and I was just like, ‘F—.’ It was just so cool,”
— Matt Damon, Actor
Damon recounted asking Nolan about how he would stage the elaborate scene.
“How are you going to do it?”
— Matt Damon, Actor
To which Nolan replied:
“I don’t know. We’ll just get in there and figure it out.”
— Christopher Nolan, Director
Capturing Homer’s Most Iconic Moments
The actor went on to highlight the detail and dedication embedded in the adaptation, particularly in the portrayal of well-known episodes from Odyssey. Damon confirmed that the deadly encounter with the Sirens plays a significant role.
“If you’re going to have an existential crisis as you pass the Sirens and you’re lashed to a mast, it’s there.”
— Matt Damon, Actor
Damon stated that each of Odysseus’s ordeals appears vividly on screen, mentioning that Christopher Nolan isn’t one to “hide the ball” when adapting such a revered text.
A Global, Immersive Production Experience
The scale of Nolan’s Odyssey extends beyond the narrative, as Damon revealed that filming spanned a variety of international locations and involved challenging open-water shoots. The production relied on thousands of extras and intricate practical builds, pushing the cast and crew into immersive territory. According to Damon, the making of The Odyssey was the most rewarding experience of his career, showcasing the commitment and vision of both the cast and director.
With Matt Damon detailing just how extensive and authentic the Odyssey movie is, anticipation continues to build for Nolan’s bold interpretation. The partnership between Damon, Nolan, and Homer’s legendary story promises a cinematic event that could reshape how epic tales are brought to the big screen.
