John Leguizamo Couldn’t See ‘for 12 to 14 Hours a Day’ While Filming “The Odyssey ”— and Even Had to Be ‘Taken to the Bathroom’

John Leguizamo has recently shared insights into the challenges he faced while portraying Eumaeus, a blind servant in the film adaptation of Homer’s epic, ‘The Odyssey’. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the seasoned actor discussed the significant physical and mental difficulties he encountered during filming, revealing that he often found himself unable to see for up to 14 hours each day due to the contact lenses he wore for the role.

Leguizamo, who plays the loyal friend and servant of Odysseus, the King of Ithaca portrayed by Matt Damon, described the experience of being blind as profoundly isolating. He stated that he struggled with basic activities, saying, “Not being able to see for 12 to 14 hours a day meant I couldn’t read my phone, I couldn’t make calls,” emphasising the extent of his sensory deprivation. He discussed the logistical challenges this imposed, including needing assistance for simple tasks such as using the bathroom and eating.

Reflecting on his time of solitude, Leguizamo noted, “When I was alone I just had to be inside my head because that’s all I had. Too much time with my own thoughts – it’s a dangerous thing.” The actor’s candidness sheds light on the mental toll of adopting such a demanding role that involved immersing himself deeply into the experience of blindness.

‘The Odyssey’, directed by Christopher Nolan, premiered in theatres on July 17, 2023, and follows the harrowing journey of Odysseus as he navigates through treacherous landscapes and mythical creatures following the Trojan War. In recounting his experiences on set, Leguizamo expressed gratitude for Nolan’s supportive approach. He shared an anecdote about a moment of vulnerability; while filming in cold conditions dressed in minimal clothing, Nolan offered him his coat to keep warm, which Leguizamo found both generous and amusing. “Matt Damon joked, ‘I’ve been working for six months in the oceans, in Iceland, and you put the coat on him?’” he recalled with a smile.

The collaboration between Leguizamo and Nolan was marked by a unique rapport. Leguizamo appreciated Nolan’s directing style, mentioning that the filmmakers’ decision to position himself physically close to the actors enhanced the filming experience. “It’s just an incredible place for a director to be instead of in the video village hundreds of feet away,” he explained, praising the comfort and safety that such closeness afforded performers during intense scenes.

In a later discussion about attending the film’s premiere, Leguizamo shared the emotional impact of seeing ‘The Odyssey’ on the big screen with his wife. He recounted that the theatre was nearly empty at first, which made the viewing experience feel particularly intimate. He described the onset of the film with awe, marvelling at the grandeur of the storytelling, alongside the stunning musical score. This prompted an unexpected emotional reaction from both him and his wife, leaving them in tears while watching Odysseus’ poignant final monologue about the agony of war.

“The score is so unbelievably beautiful,” he reflected, “and I wasn’t sure if it was my wife’s tears that made me emotional or Odysseus’ final monologue.” This insight underscores the effective storytelling of the film, facilitated by Nolan’s direction and the skillful portrayals by the cast.

The ensemble cast of ‘The Odyssey’ features an impressive line-up alongside Leguizamo and Damon, including Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron, among others. This star-studded team is set against the grand backdrop of Homer’s narrative, aimed at bringing the ancient tale to contemporary audiences.

As ‘The Odyssey’ continues to resonate with viewers, Leguizamo’s reflections highlight not only the trials of acting but also the profound emotional connections that can emerge from this art form. His experience serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by actors to authentically portray their characters and the collaborative spirit that directors like Nolan foster to enhance those performances.