**John Leguizamo Shares Insights From the Set of ‘The Odyssey’**
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The upcoming film adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, ‘The Odyssey’, is set to grace UK cinemas on July 17, featuring a star-studded cast led by Matt Damon and directed by Christopher Nolan. During the film’s premiere held in New York City on July 14, actor John Leguizamo, who plays Eumaeus—Odysseus’ loyal friend and servant—reflected on his experiences while filming.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Leguizamo described some memorable moments from the set of this long-anticipated project. The film aims to bring to life the tale of Odysseus, the hero of ancient Greece, and his trials during his journey home following the Trojan War. Leguizamo shared that embodying the character of Eumaeus was an emotional rollercoaster, particularly during a scene in which his character experiences a “fever dream.”
Recalling the filming process, Leguizamo explained, “While portraying Eumaeus, I found myself really getting lost in the moment, which is somewhat part of my method acting approach.” It was during this intense portrayal that director Nolan intervened in an unexpectedly kind manner, aiming to ensure the actor remained comfortable in the chilly conditions on set.
“Seeing me shivering in my costume—which was rather minimal considering it was February—Nolan promptly took off his coat and draped it over my shoulders,” Leguizamo recalled with humour. He also mentioned co-star Matt Damon’s light-hearted response to this gesture. “Matt quipped, ‘I’ve been working for six months in the oceans, in Iceland, and you put the coat on him?!’” The anecdote provided a glimpse into the friendly camaraderie among the cast.
Leguizamo praised Nolan’s unique directing style, noting that the director’s presence directly behind the camera created a more intimate working environment. “It’s just an incredible place to be as an actor; you feel seen and safer to be vulnerable,” he said, underscoring the benefits of having a director so engaged with the actors’ performances.
This sentiment was further echoed by Leguizamo’s admiration for Matt Damon. The two have a history, having previously worked together on the animated film ‘Titan A.E.’ in 2000. Reflecting on Damon’s generosity on set, Leguizamo stated, “I was taken aback by how humble and funny he is. He never complained about the demanding role he had while maintaining kindness towards everyone in the crew. Truly a lovely individual.”
‘The Odyssey’ boasts an impressive cast including other notable talents such as Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Elliot Page, Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth, and Charlize Theron, alongside Leguizamo and Damon. Such a diverse array of actors showcases the film’s ambition to faithfully recreate this timeless narrative while appealing to a modern audience.
As anticipation builds for the film’s release, Leguizamo expressed excitement about audiences experiencing their adaptation of Homer’s beloved work. With Nolan’s talent for storytelling and the ensemble cast’s dedication, expectations are high for this cinematic rendition of a classic tale.
As the film’s release date approaches, viewers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the original epic to fully appreciate the artistic interpretation being presented in cinemas. The convergence of legendary literature and Hollywood talent marks ‘The Odyssey’ as a must-watch film when it arrives in theatres later this month.
The world will have the opportunity to witness this visually stunning and emotionally charged interpretation of Homer’s narrative in just a few days. With the collective efforts of the cast and crew, ‘The Odyssey’ is poised to invite audiences on an unforgettable journey through ancient Greece, embodying themes of friendship, loyalty, and the quest for home.