Christopher Nolan‘s “The Odyssey” is based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic, which dates back to around the 8th or 7th century BC. As a result, some moviegoers were surprised when the film’s various trailers let it slip that Nolan’s characters speak contemporary English dialogue in mostly American accents. The creative decision sparked intense discourse on social media, one that Nolan probably wasn’t too surprised by it turns out.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times ahead of “The Odyssey” theatrical release this month, Nolan said that as the film’s screenwriter he wanted to prioritize “language that has emotional not intellectual meaning to people.” This is why the characters in Nolan’s “Odyssey” speak in contemporary English dialogue and not Homer’s words.
“I was maybe being naïve, it might bite me on the ass, but I wanted an earthy narrative. To me it was a no-brainer,” Nolan said of his decision.
Nolan also felt it was a no-brainer to cast the movie with major star power, from Matt Damon and Anne Hatahaway to Tom Holland, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Jon Bernthal and more. The director noted that his characters “are mythological figures, iconic in some ways,” so “I wanted to cast it big, get the finest bunch of actors” because their familiar faces would help a contemporary audiences feel at home.
