Every Confirmed Character in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
Following the massive success of ‘Oppenheimer’ (2023), director Christopher Nolan is turning his attention to one of the most foundational stories of Western literature. The acclaimed filmmaker is set to direct an epic adaptation of Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’. This ambitious project will bring the ancient Greek tale of gods, monsters, and a perilous decade-long journey to the big screen in what promises to be a cinematic event.
The film will follow the king of Ithaca, Odysseus, as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. His voyage is fraught with danger, testing his courage, cunning, and will to survive against the wrath of the sea god Poseidon. An incredible ensemble cast has been announced for the project, featuring a mix of Nolan’s trusted collaborators and new talent, ensuring every role is filled with a powerhouse performer ready to bring this mythic world to life.
Tom Holland as Telemachus – Confirmed
This casting places Tom Holland in the role of Telemachus, the son of Odysseus. The character is a young man who comes of age while searching for his father, who has been missing since the Trojan War. He shows great courage and determination, setting out on his own journey that mirrors his father’s struggles.
Holland is globally recognized for playing Peter Parker in Marvel’s ‘Spider-Man’ films, but he has also demonstrated his dramatic abilities in movies like ‘The Impossible’ (2012) and ‘Cherry’ (2021). His youthful energy and proven capacity for portraying earnest, driven characters make him a strong choice for the young prince of Ithaca.
Matt Damon as Odysseus – Confirmed
At the heart of the story is Odysseus, the hero known for his intellect and resilience. This fan-cast gives the monumental role to Matt Damon. Odysseus’s ten-year struggle to return home to his family is the core of the epic, testing his wits against gods, monsters, and his own despair.
Damon is no stranger to working with Nolan, having delivered memorable performances in both ‘Interstellar’ (2014) and ‘Oppenheimer’ (2023). His long career playing intelligent and capable heroes in films like the ‘Bourne’ series and ‘The Martian’ (2015) gives me confidence he could perfectly capture the cunning king.
Zendaya as Calypso
In this dream cast, Zendaya is imagined as Calypso, the enchanting nymph who holds Odysseus captive on her island for seven years. Calypso is a figure of immense beauty and power, torn between her love for Odysseus and the will of the gods who command her to release him.
Zendaya’s rise to stardom includes her Emmy-winning role in the series ‘Euphoria’ (2019-present) and her part as Chani in the sci-fi epic ‘Dune’ (2021). Her ability to portray complex and commanding characters makes her a compelling pick for the beautiful and tragic goddess.
Anne Hathaway as Penelope
The role of Penelope, the famously loyal wife of Odysseus, is given to Anne Hathaway. Penelope uses her own cleverness to fend off a horde of aggressive suitors who have overrun her home, all while she waits for her husband’s return. She is a symbol of faithfulness and intelligence.
Hathaway, an Oscar-winning actress, has worked with Nolan before, playing Catwoman in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012) and Dr. Brand in ‘Interstellar’ (2014). Her talent for conveying both vulnerability and strength would be ideal for portraying the steadfast queen of Ithaca.
Lupita Nyong’o as Circe
The powerful and alluring sorceress Circe is assigned to Lupita Nyong’o. Circe is a formidable goddess who transforms Odysseus’s men into swine. She is both a dangerous obstacle and a crucial source of guidance for the hero on his journey.
Nyong’o won an Academy Award for her stunning performance in ’12 Years a Slave’ (2013) and is also known for her roles in the ‘Black Panther’ films and the horror movie ‘Us’ (2019). Her commanding screen presence makes her an exciting choice to play the legendary enchantress.
Robert Pattinson as The Ghost of Achilles
This casting imagines Robert Pattinson as the Ghost of Achilles, the greatest warrior of the Greeks. Odysseus encounters Achilles in the underworld, where the fallen hero expresses his regret and sorrow. It is a brief but powerful moment in the epic.
Pattinson previously worked with Christopher Nolan on the mind-bending thriller ‘Tenet’ (2020) and has earned praise for his intense performances in films like ‘The Batman’ (2022). His ability to portray brooding and complex characters makes him a fitting choice for the spectral hero.
Charlize Theron as Athena
Charlize Theron is envisioned as Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. Athena is Odysseus’s divine protector and advocate, frequently intervening to help him overcome the challenges set by other gods. Her guidance is essential to his survival.
Theron has a history of playing powerful warriors and commanding figures, such as Imperator Furiosa in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015) and the immortal Andy in ‘The Old Guard’ (2020). Her regal presence would be perfect for one of the most important deities in the Olympian pantheon.
Jon Bernthal as Antinous
The role of Antinous, the most arrogant and violent of Penelope’s suitors, is given to Jon Bernthal. Antinous is a primary antagonist who disrespects Odysseus’s home and pressures the queen to remarry. He is a character audiences are meant to despise.
Bernthal is famous for his portrayal of Frank Castle in the Marvel series ‘The Punisher’ (2017-2019) and has played intense roles in films like ‘Ford v Ferrari’ (2019) and ‘King Richard’ (2021). I believe he would excel at bringing the loathsome Antinous to the big screen.
Benny Safdie as Polyphemus
Benny Safdie is cast as Polyphemus, the fearsome Cyclops who traps Odysseus and his men in a cave with the intention of eating them. Odysseus must use his wits to blind the giant and engineer a daring escape.
Safdie, also an accomplished director, delivered a memorable performance as Edward Teller in Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ (2023). His ability to disappear into a role makes him an interesting and unconventional choice for the monstrous son of Poseidon.
Himesh Patel as Aeolus
This fan poster suggests Himesh Patel for the role of Aeolus, the divine keeper of the winds. Aeolus aids Odysseus by bottling up all the winds except the one that will guide his ships home, but the hero’s foolish crew unleashes them prematurely.
Patel first gained wide notice in the musical film ‘Yesterday’ (2019) and has appeared in Nolan’s ‘Tenet’ (2020). He has a knack for playing kind and relatable characters, which would work well for the well-meaning but cautious god of the winds.
Elliot Page as Hermes
Elliot Page is imagined as Hermes, the swift messenger of the gods. Hermes plays a key part in the story by delivering Zeus’s command for Calypso to release Odysseus. He also provides the hero with a magical herb to protect him from Circe’s magic.
Page is known for his roles in ‘Juno’ (2007) and ‘Inception’ (2010), another one of Nolan’s celebrated films. His dynamic energy makes him a great selection for the quick-witted and fleet-footed Olympian messenger.
Bill Irwin as Laertes
The veteran actor Bill Irwin is cast as Laertes, Odysseus’s aging father. Laertes lives in seclusion on a farm, grieving for his long-lost son and the decay of his kingdom. He is frail but respected, a former hero in his own right.
Irwin has a long and varied career, including a role alongside Anne Hathaway in ‘Interstellar’ (2014) as the voice of the robot TARS. His gravitas and seasoned acting skills would bring depth to the part of the grieving patriarch.
Samantha Morton as Anticleia
The role of Odysseus’s mother, Anticleia, is assigned to Samantha Morton. Odysseus speaks with her spirit when he ventures into the underworld, and she tells him of the suffering his absence has caused back home in Ithaca.
Morton is a highly respected actress known for her work in films like ‘Minority Report’ (2002) and for playing the villain Alpha in the series ‘The Walking Dead’ (2010-2022). Her ability to convey haunting emotion makes her a fantastic choice for this ghostly encounter.
John Leguizamo as Eumaeus
John Leguizamo is envisioned as Eumaeus, the loyal swineherd who remains faithful to Odysseus throughout his long absence. Eumaeus is one of the first people Odysseus meets upon his return to Ithaca, and he plays a key part in helping the hero reclaim his throne.
Leguizamo is a versatile actor with an incredible range, known for projects like ‘Moulin Rouge!’ (2001) and ‘John Wick’ (2014). His talent would be well-suited to portraying the humble and steadfast ally.
Logan Marshall-Green as Eurymachus
This casting places Logan Marshall-Green in the role of Eurymachus, another leading suitor vying for Penelope’s hand. He is manipulative and deceitful, second only to Antinous in his villainy, and presents another major obstacle for Odysseus.
Marshall-Green is known for his roles in the sci-fi film ‘Prometheus’ (2012) and the action-thriller ‘Upgrade’ (2018). I think his intensity would be a great fit for one of the primary antagonists standing in the hero’s way.
Mia Goth as Ino
The sea goddess Ino, who provides crucial aid to Odysseus during a storm, is imagined to be played by Mia Goth. After his raft is destroyed, Ino gives Odysseus a magical veil that protects him from drowning and allows him to reach shore.
Goth has become a modern horror icon with her standout performances in the films ‘X’ (2022) and ‘Pearl’ (2022). Her unique screen presence would make her a memorable choice for the mysterious and helpful sea nymph.
Corey Hawkins as Poseidon
Corey Hawkins is the fan choice for Poseidon, the formidable god of the sea and Odysseus’s primary divine antagonist. Poseidon relentlessly punishes Odysseus for blinding his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus, and is the source of many of the hero’s woes.
Hawkins has shown his commanding presence in films like ‘Straight Outta Compton’ (2015) and ‘Kong: Skull Island’ (2017). He has the intensity needed to portray the powerful and vengeful ruler of the oceans.
Will Yun Lee as Amphinomus
The role of Amphinomus, one of the more sympathetic suitors, is given to Will Yun Lee. Unlike the others, Amphinomus is shown to have some decency, and Odysseus even warns him to leave before the final confrontation, though his warning goes unheeded.
Lee is known for his work in the series ‘Altered Carbon’ (2018-2020) and ‘The Good Doctor’ (2017-present). His ability to play charming and nuanced characters makes him a solid choice for the most reasonable of Penelope’s suitors.
Jesse Garcia as a Loyal Crewman
Jesse Garcia is imagined in the role of one of Odysseus’s loyal crewmen, such as Polites. These are the men who follow their captain from Troy but whose poor decisions and human frailties often lead to disaster, such as when they open Aeolus’s bag of winds.
Garcia has earned acclaim for his roles in films like ‘Quinceañera’ (2006) and ‘Flamin’ Hot’ (2023). He would bring a relatable human element to the crew that shares in the early parts of the hero’s long and arduous journey.
What are your thoughts on this fan-made cast, and who would you choose to star in a modern ‘Odyssey’?