“Epic of All Epics”: Christopher Nolan’s Take on The Odyssey Stuns Stunt Performer

Christopher Nolan's next big-budget The Odyssey has already stirred the pot—and it's not just due to its mythic source material, or the A-listers in the cast. It is all about how grand it is going to be. In an interview with the Action for Everyone podcast, stunt performer James Newman, who worked on the film, opened up about the way Christopher Nolan has chosen to approach this ancient narrative, which is just as grandiloquent in practice as it is on paper.

Talking about his experiences on set and chronicling some of the globe-trotting, highly risky production that left him amazed, he said:

“They’re never going to make a movie like this again. I think it’s going to be an epic of all epics. It’s going to be Nolan at his best. No holds barred. He definitely fights a battle that a lot of people aren’t fighting.”

Following the phenomenal global success of Oppenheimer in 2023, Christopher Nolan turns his eye to Homer's epic hero, Odysseus (Matt Damon), in search of the legends.

Backed by Syncopy Inc. with a star-studded supporting cast including Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and Lupita Nyong’o, The Odyssey is set to be as epic in every sense, from film to the careers of everyone involved in the project.

Shooting the unspeakable - Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey

Newman revealed that Christopher Nolan leaned into his adventurous self and actually selected locations on which he would shoot scenes that would be considered remote, off the beaten track, mostly untouched by any other creator. Not only did he just choose areas with scenic backdrops, but he also chose regions that were imperative to Christopher Nolan's hyper-immersive vision. He added:

“The coordinator came to us with scout pictures of locations, and it’s just all over Europe because Odysseus’ journey is crazy, it’s like 10 years long.

They found locations and Nolan would go like, ‘Okay, this cave, has anyone ever filmed here before?’ And the local guy is like, ‘No.’ [Nolan] is like, ‘Okay, great, we’re going to film here.’ This like untouched place.”

But filming in these locations came at a cost, both logistically and literally. Sharing how difficult it was to shoot and reach these locations, Newman said:

“Every location is a hike. There’s a castle, I think it’s Odysseus’ home, but it’s up on a hill and it’s like a two kilometer hike to get up there.”

The logistical demands and the magnitude of the production have pushed the budget for The Odyssey to $250 million, reportedly, making it the highest in Christopher Nolan's career. The film will be shot across Morocco, Italy, Greece, and, reportedly, the UK.

Training gods and warriors

Newman wasn't merely driving cliffs and castles, he was also working up close with the stars, preparing Matt Damon and Tom Holland for their action-packed scenes. He applauded the actors for their efforts and endurance, particularly for Matt and Holland's athleticism. He said:

I had the opportunity to make some action with a talented group of people for the film and also had the opportunity to train Matt Damon and Tom Holland for the film. All the rumors about Tom being physically able are so true. He can literally do anything. He should get every physical role possible.

Matt definitely wanted to be more efficient because that’s the character. Odysseus... is like, ‘I’ve lived and breathed battle,’ and so that makes him more smart, and that’s why he’s so good. Matt definitely understood that... he isn’t going to do flashy things.

With Tom, he’s obviously more athletic and he’s younger so he’s going to almost be a younger version of Odysseus.

A Myth Reborn Through Nolan’s Lens

While most details about The Odyssey are still not disclosed, Newman's behind-the-scenes preview hints it's not just another big movie—it's going to be a real cinematic experience. The film will feature practical effects, hand-crafted action scenes, and remote locations that haven't been spoiled by film crews. Christopher Nolan is indeed putting in a lot of effort to make this project happen.

The movie is scheduled to be released on July 17, 2026, so there's a lot of time to see how this legendary and mythical story unfolds. According to Newman's insights, The Odyssey promises to be a modern epic that truly respects its ancient origins.