The “Odyssey” by Christopher Nolan has been released in cinemas — a grand adaptation of one of the most renowned stories in ancient literature, featuring a star-studded cast. For those who haven’t revisited Homer’s epic before the premiere, we’re shedding light on the main characters and their roles within the world of “Odyssey”.
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Odysseus (Matt Damon)
Odysseus is a valiant warrior and the husband of Penelope, one of the principal figures in the Trojan War, and a national hero of Greece. Beyond his courage, he is renowned for his cunning, wisdom, and resourcefulness, qualities that serve him well in combat and politics. Following the Trojan War, he embarks on his journey home to the island of Ithaca, where his wife Penelope and son Telemachus await him. However, this path proves to be far more arduous and perilous. He must confront tempests, deities, monstrous creatures, hostile individuals, and also undergo a profound self-reflection.
According to Christopher Nolan, he had no doubt that Damon was the right choice to anchor this narrative. “I needed an actor with immense talent and a strong connection with the audience. Odysseus is a wise and inventive individual, yet simultaneously worn down by prolonged trials. It’s a very demanding, multi-layered role, and Matt immersed himself completely. He’s not only a superb actor but also a person who inspires the entire crew. This film would have been unimaginable without him,” states Christopher Nolan.
Damon describes the role of Odysseus as a “role of a lifetime.” To prepare, he underwent rigorous physical training. “Chris told me, ‘This will be a very tough film.’ I thought I understood what he meant. But he replied, ‘No. This will be a genuinely tough film.’ So, from the outset, I focused not just on physical fitness but also on overall health, nutrition, and rest to avoid injuries and prevent delays for the entire team.”
Penelope – Anne Hathaway
Penelope is Odysseus’s wife, a woman of great wisdom and composure. She faces the most severe ordeal: Penelope waits for her husband’s return for 20 years, uncertain if he is alive and without any news from Odysseus. While Odysseus remains absent for years, Penelope is compelled to fend off numerous suitors daily, all eager to marry her and seize control. Bound by ancient customs, she cannot outright refuse them, so she employs cleverness and ingenuity — traits no less remarkable than Odysseus’s own. In her struggle for herself, her family, and Ithaca, she proves her capacity to withstand any man who attempts to possess her.
Christopher Nolan invited his long-time collaborator Anne Hathaway to portray Penelope. They had previously worked together on “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Interstellar.” It turned out that Hathaway is an avid admirer of ancient Greek mythology, a passion she has nurtured since her school days.
“The Penelope that Chris wrote exceeded all my expectations. She possesses so much inner fire and strength. I particularly appreciated how he depicted her not merely as a devoted wife but as an individual who feels misunderstood by others. This, in his view, is one of the reasons for the profound connection between Penelope and Odysseus. Furthermore, Chris placed special emphasis on their relationship. To the world, they are legendary figures, but at the heart of the story is primarily who they are to each other.”
Telemachus (Tom Holland)
Telemachus is the son of Odysseus and Penelope, a character who holds a pivotal role in the narrative of “Odyssey,” second only to the ruler of Ithaca himself. To ascertain his father’s fate, Telemachus embarks on a journey across the Ionian islands. He seeks answers, strives to maintain hope, and gradually matures. His story chronicles the transformation of a boy into a man, destined to safeguard his family and Ithaca’s future.
The role of Telemachus is played by Tom Holland, who gained global acclaim for his portrayal of Spider-Man in the Marvel films. “Telemachus is a young man coming of age during his own journey. He endeavors to protect his mother and find his father, whom he has almost lost. Yet, simultaneously, it’s the story of a young individual attempting to comprehend the chaotic world around him and find his place within it,” shares Tom Holland.
According to the production team, Holland demonstrated excellent physical condition on set. Concurrently, one of the most significant challenges involved the combat sequences, which the actor rehearsed with stunt coordinator George Cottle. Although Holland had performed intricate stunts for years as Spider-Man, this time he had to adopt a completely different approach.
“We weren’t just fighting for spectacle. Every movement had to reveal the character and advance the plot. During one fight scene, Chris told me, ‘I need you to react more to your opponent.’ This was a novel experience for me. Previously, I often acted while masked, but now I had to convey emotions through my facial expressions even in the most dynamic sequences.”
Antinous – Robert Pattinson
The cruel and arrogant Antinous is one of the primary antagonists in “Odyssey.” Essentially, he is the ringleader of the audacious suitors who have occupied Odysseus’s home in Ithaca, vying for Penelope’s hand. Having exhausted his patience with Penelope’s persistent rejections, he resolves to force her hand through coercion and seize control of Ithaca. This role in Nolan’s film is undertaken by Robert Pattinson, known for his ability to portray charismatic villains.
“Rob enjoys roles that defy conventional expectations. Antinous provided him with such an opportunity. Each day, he astonished me with how he blended charisma, cruelty, and latent menace within the character. All his acting choices were meticulously considered and contributed to making this cowardly yet ambitious figure truly compelling,” remarks Nolan.
Pattinson himself viewed his character as someone who craves power but is unwilling to fight for it. “Antinous embodies modernity devoid of moral principles. I wanted him to possess a distinctive and even somewhat opulent appearance amidst this austere world. He enjoys making an impression but avoids personal risk. It’s simpler for him to instigate others to fight while he reaps the benefits of their conquests.”
Calypso – Charlize Theron
Calypso, the nymph of the island of Ogygia, is one of the most intriguing female figures in “Odyssey.” According to Greek mythology, she is in love with Odysseus and held him captive on her island for seven years following his shipwreck.
The character of Calypso has been a subject of debate for centuries. Is her island a sanctuary or a gilded cage? Does she genuinely love the hero, or does she simply desire possession? Throughout history, Calypso has been portrayed as both a villain and a tragic figure.
Charlize Theron, who embodies Calypso, believes that all these interpretations hold some truth while none fully explains the character. “For me, Calypso is a bit of all these things, yet far more complex. That’s what drew me in. She is a goddess possessing immense power, but above all, she yearns for genuine connection with another person. It was fascinating to explore a character who can do almost anything, yet even with such authority, cannot attain what she desires most.”
Athena – Zendaya
In Greek mythology, Athena is the daughter of Zeus, the goddess of wisdom, crafts, and military strategy. After the fall of Troy, she repeatedly appears to Odysseus, reminding him of who he is, what he has endured, and the path that still lies ahead. The role of Athena is played by Zendaya, who works alongside her real-life partner, Tom Holland, in “Odyssey.”
Zendaya filmed her initial scenes on the massive sets of Troy in Morocco, and according to the actress, she was incredibly nervous. “The scale was simply unbelievable. The sets, the costumes, the attention to every detail — everything was so authentic that I barely had to act. It felt as though I had truly found myself in Troy. It was cold and raining, but the adrenaline made me oblivious to it. Everyone kept offering me a jacket, but I was so engrossed in what was happening that I completely forgot about the cold.”