In a revealing new interview, Matt Damon pulls back the curtain on the groundbreaking production of Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey, offering fans a fascinating glimpse into the immense challenges and innovative solutions behind one of the most ambitious films in recent cinema history. Starring as Odysseus himself, Damon details how Nolan’s relentless vision transformed Homer’s ancient myth into a breathtaking cinematic experience shot entirely in IMAX 70mm, complete with a clever technical workaround that made intimate, emotionally charged scenes possible despite the notoriously loud IMAX cameras.
The film follows the legendary 10-year journey of King Odysseus of Ithaca as he battles to return home after the Trojan War to his wife Queen Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway, and their son Telemachus, portrayed by Tom Holland. Along the way, Odysseus and his crew encounter mythical figures including the fearsome Cyclops Polyphemus, the enchanting nymph Calypso (Charlize Theron), the powerful witch-goddess Circe (Samantha Morton), with Zendaya bringing Athena to life, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, and Lupita Nyong’o playing both Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. What sets Nolan’s adaptation apart is not just its star power, but the painstaking effort to ground this larger-than-life myth in a tangible, immersive world.
Damon repeatedly expresses awe at the sheer scale of world-building undertaken by every department. From the layered costumes caked in realistic dirt and wear to the meticulous set design, Nolan insisted on creating an ancient world that felt authentic and lived-in rather than fantastical. This comprehensive approach was evident from the earliest conversations, and it culminated in the decision to shoot on IMAX 70mm — a format that delivers overwhelming visual power but comes with significant technical hurdles.
One of the biggest obstacles was the deafening noise produced by traditional IMAX cameras, which made quiet, intimate dialogue scenes nearly impossible. Nolan, never one to accept limitations, devised an ingenious mirror system hack. Instead of positioning actors directly opposite each other for eye lines, the camera would capture one performer while the other acted beside a carefully placed mirror setup. This allowed the massive, noise-dampened camera (housed in a giant blimp) to stay close enough for genuine emotional connection while maintaining perfect sightlines. Damon admits that during an especially tender scene with Anne Hathaway toward the film’s end, he became so immersed in her performance that he completely forgot he was acting opposite a mirror. The technique worked so seamlessly that it preserved both the epic scope and the quiet vulnerability the story demanded.
Watching the finished film in a premium IMAX 70mm theater at Lincoln Square left Damon overwhelmed in the best possible way. He wishes every viewer could experience it on the largest screen possible, describing the immersion as “insane” and deeply powerful. According to him, the combination of Nolan’s visionary direction, the massive format, and the incredible attention to detail creates a theatrical event that feels truly transporting.
Beyond the technical marvels, Damon’s humility shines through when asked what he would say to Homer if given the chance. With a laugh, the Oscar winner reveals his very actor-like question: “Did you like my performance?” It’s a lighthearted moment that underscores the enormous respect he holds for the source material and the pressure of portraying one of literature’s most iconic heroes.
The Odyssey represents yet another bold swing for Christopher Nolan, who continues pushing the boundaries of what cinema can achieve. The 172-minute epic blends grand spectacle with deeply personal storytelling, proving that even ancient myths can be reinvented for modern audiences through innovation and craftsmanship. As Damon makes clear, every element — from the sweeping landscapes to the smallest gesture — was designed to honor the spirit of Homer’s tale while delivering a visceral, unforgettable big-screen experience.
With its release date set for July 17, 2026, anticipation is already building to extraordinary levels. Matt Damon’s insights reveal not just the difficulties overcome during production, but the passion and precision that went into making The Odyssey a landmark cinematic achievement. For fans of epic storytelling and groundbreaking filmmaking, this promises to be one of the must-see theatrical events of the year — a film that doesn’t just tell a myth, but fully immerses you within it.
