Ben Affleck, renowned for his work as a writer, director, and actor, might not be part of the star-studded cast of Christopher Nolan‘s upcoming film “The Odyssey,” but he is planning to visit the set. Affleck aims to support his long-time collaborator and friend, Matt Damon, who is playing the role of Odysseus in Nolan’s adaptation of the ancient Greek epic. Their visit will provide a unique opportunity for Affleck to observe Nolan at work, a prospect he welcomes with excitement and appreciation for Nolan’s expertise. “I may go visit Matt [Damon] on the set [of ‘The Odyssey’] just to watch Nolan direct,” Affleck shared with GQ, expressing his eagerness to learn from Nolan, whom he regards as one of the most remarkable auteurs in filmmaking.
“The Odyssey,” slated as Nolan’s 13th feature, was announced in December 2024, generating immense anticipation due to its stellar ensemble cast and Nolan’s directorial vision. The film features reunions for Nolan with previous collaborators like Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Benny Safdie, alongside Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, and John Leguizamo. The epic adventure follows the trials of Odysseus as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War, promising a grand spectacle on the big screen.
Universal Studios reveals that “The Odyssey” will be a landmark production, utilizing cutting-edge IMAX film technology. “Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology,” the studio announced, marking it as a monumental cinematic undertaking. Scheduled for release on July 17, 2026, the film aims to bring Homer’s foundational narrative vividly to life, reaching audiences worldwide.
John Leguizamo, part of the ensemble cast, discussed Nolan’s distinctive approach on “Morning Joe,” highlighting Nolan’s independent filmmaking sensibilities despite the substantial budget involved. “He’s got a crazy budget, it’s not small, but he runs [it] like an indie film because he’s not doing it by committee, he’s not doing it by what the studio says,” Leguizamo noted, emphasizing Nolan’s commitment to artistic integrity.
Nolan, known for pushing the boundaries in both independent films and blockbusters, shared with Time his motivation to utilize resources innovatively. “I’m drawn to working at a large scale because I know how fragile the opportunity to marshal those resources is,” Nolan reflected. He acknowledges the rarity of such opportunities, aiming to harness them creatively to challenge and engage audiences.
Affleck’s planned visit underscores the mutual respect and camaraderie he shares with both Damon and Nolan, enhancing the collaborative spirit of “The Odyssey.” As anticipation builds, Affleck’s presence on set not only supports his cofounder and friend but also further connects him to the creative innovation presented by this highly anticipated film.
