‘No Greek actors for Greek epic’: Fans divided after Matt Damon's first look from Christopher Nolan's Odyssey goes viral

The first look from Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey featuring Matt Damon as Odysseus has sparked excitement and debate over casting choices.

The first look of Matt Damon as the legendary Greek hero Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's upcoming historical epic The Odyssey was unveiled on Monday evening, instantly sparking widespread discussions across social media.

Matt Damon will be playing the role of legendary Greek hero Odysseus

While many fans have been captivated by the striking imagery and expressed their eagerness for the film’s release, a significant section of the audience has voiced concerns about Nolan’s casting choices.

Many have argued that Greek actors should have been considered for leading roles in this adaptation of Homer’s iconic epic, rather than Hollywood A-listers.

The newly released still features Damon dressed in a battle-worn warrior’s robe, his back turned to the camera, seemingly depicting Odysseus in the aftermath of the Trojan War. Given Nolan’s penchant for large-scale, immersive storytelling, fans are anticipating a visually stunning and narratively complex retelling of one of the greatest tales in Western literature.

Produced by Universal Pictures, The Odyssey boasts an ensemble cast packed with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Alongside Damon in the titular role, the film features Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, and Jon Berntha. Additionally, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, and Samantha Morton will take on key supporting roles, adding further depth to the film’s character roster.

Based on Homer’s epic poem, the film will chronicle the treacherous decade-long journey of Odysseus as he struggles to return home to Ithaca following the Trojan War. His voyage is riddled with mythical obstacles, including encounters with vengeful gods, the bewitching sirens, and formidable creatures like the Cyclopes. Meanwhile, back in Ithaca, his wife Penelope and their son Telemachus must fend off a host of opportunistic suitors eager to claim the throne in Odysseus' prolonged absence.

Nolan, known for his meticulously crafted narratives and grand-scale filmmaking, is expected to bring his signature style to this adaptation. With his expertise in blending historical accuracy with cinematic spectacle, many are eager to see how he reimagines the classic tale. However, the film’s casting choices have ignited a heated debate, reminiscent of past controversies regarding historical epics featuring predominantly Western actors in roles tied to specific cultural backgrounds.

Despite the discourse, excitement remains high for The Odyssey, with cinephiles anticipating another ambitious cinematic endeavour from Nolan. The film is expected to be a visual spectacle, delivering both high-intensity action sequences and deeply emotional storytelling.