Transcript of Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Zendaya and Lupita Nyong'o Open Up About The Odyssey Casting, Talk Epic Set

Key takeaways

• Tom Holland was cast as Telemachus in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” after a direct call from Nolan’s team, bypassing his agents’ initial speculation about Timothée Chalamet.
• The production relied heavily on practical effects—real ships, a full‑scale Trojan horse, thousands of costumed extras, and on‑set fire—while minimizing CGI, and was shot entirely in IMAX across seven countries.
• Christopher Nolan modified the IMAX camera system to reduce noise, a solution previously attempted on “Tenet,” enabling the large‑format shoot of “The Odyssey.”
• Lupita Nyong’o performed dual roles (Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra) and also directed background actors for a bathing‑ritual scene, effectively co‑directing with Nolan.
• Matt Damon portrays Odysseus and is praised by the cast for his relentless work ethic and professionalism throughout the demanding shoot.