Summary
Christopher Nolan’sThe Odesseycast could have included an Oscar-winning actor in a key role, but their commitment toAvengers: Doomsdayprevented this casting decision from becoming a reality.
Nolan’sThe Odysseyis a feature film adaptation of the epic poem of the same name by Homer.Oppenheimerstar Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, the Ancient Greek king of Ithaca who journeys home after the Trojan War to reunite with his wife. Damon leads an ensemblecast of actors that includes Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Mia Goth, and many more. A few of these actors have worked with Nolan before, butAvengers: Doomsdayis rumored to have prevented a particular reunion.
DidAvengers: DoomsdayPrevent a Reunion Between Nolan and anOppenheimerStar?
Reputable scooperDaniel Richtmanreports thatNolan wanted Robert Downey Jr. to portray Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea who serves as a foil to Odysseus by impeding his journey home. The casting decision would have reunited Nolan and Downey Jr. after the two worked together onOppenheimer, which won Downey Jr. the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. However,Downey Jr.’s filming schedule forAvengers: Doomsdaymeant he was too busy to join theOdysseycast. It’s unclear if the Poseidon has been cast, as Damon’s role is the only one announced as of this writing.
How Will Nolan Film The Odyssey’s Epic Scenes?
Richtman also shared details about Nolan’s approach toTheOdyssey.Those familiar with Homer’sThe Odysseyknow it as an epic fantasy story featuring Greek gods, mythical creatures, and perilous encounters. While most filmmakers would likely choose to use CGI to bring these elements to life on screen, Nolan is known for limiting CGI whenever possible. For example,Oppenheimer’s depiction of the first nuclear weapondetonation was achieved using practical effects. According to Richtman, Nolan “is staying super faithful to the original story. He’s committed to utilizing as many practical effects, real sets, and makeup techniques as possible.” Richtman also notes that Nolan has an idea for his next film afterThe Odyssey, which he describes as another epic on a similar scale. However, it’s still early, and Nolan remains fully committed toThe Odyssey.
Fans are excited to seeNolan’s adaptation ofThe Odyssey. While Nolan has helmed several big-budget blockbusters,The Odysseyis undoubtedly his most ambitious project yet. With his tendency to use practical effects, real locations, and some of the best actors working in Hollywood, the potential for Nolan’sThe Odysseyis limitless.
Avengers: Doomsdayis scheduled to be released in theaters on July 26, 2025, andThe Odysseyis scheduled for Jun 08, 2025.
Avengers: Doomsday
Avengers: Doomsday is the fifth Avengers film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and will bring together heroes, new and old, to face off against Victor von Doom - played by the returning Robert Downey Jr. Avengers 5 will also mark the beginning of phase 6 of the MCU.
