Christopher Nolan dismisses Matt Damon’s “loser” view of the future of cinema after making The Odyssey | Today’s news
Christopher Nolan has offered a measured but upbeat response to Matt Damon’s comments about the future of big-budget filmmaking, saying he doesn’t share the actor’s belief that films on the scale of The Odyssey may soon become a thing of the past.
Christopher Nolan offers his take on Matt Damon’s recent take on the vast scope of filmmaking
Damon, who stars in Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey, recently reflected on his experience making the epic film, describing it as a reminder of an era of filmmaking he fears is fading.
The actor said he was overcome with nostalgia during production, saying: “Because it was like the movies when I started working – and I know it’s going to wear off.”
Damon went on to express concern that such ambitions may be increasingly rare. “I knew this was the last chance I would have to do something like this,” the “Good Will Hunting” actor said.
He added: “I don’t think people are going to get funding to make films like this for much longer.”
The comments referred to Nolan’s characteristically ambitious approach to filmmaking. Odyssey was shot in many countries on practical locations, on large sets and with thousands of extras, continuing the director’s long-standing preference for practical filming over large-scale computer-generated imagery. The production is also largely shot on IMAX cameras, maintaining Nolan’s commitment to large-format cinema and immersive theatrical experiences.
In response to Damon’s remarks, Nolan acknowledged that he understood what the actor meant, but said he fundamentally disagreed with the broader conclusion.
“I think I know what Damon was going for, because it seems like it’s been a long time since someone made a movie like this in this way, where you’re traveling the world, bringing together thousands of people and so on,” Nolan said. “But there’s a defeatist aspect of looking at it that way that I don’t agree with. I think cinema is vital and essential and it’s constantly changing – we have all these great new young voices in film making the medium their own and moving it forward.”
Nolan’s response reflects his long-standing belief in the enduring appeal of theatrical cinema, even as the industry continues to adapt to streaming platforms, changing viewing habits and evolving production models.
Throughout his career, the Oscar-winning filmmaker has championed hands-on filmmaking, large-format screening, and the communal experience of watching movies in theaters.
Based on the ancient Greek epic attributed to Homer, The Odyssey boasts one of Nolan’s most star-studded ensembles to date, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, John Leguizam, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Gothdie and Mia.
The film is scheduled to release on July 17, 2026 and is widely expected to be one of the biggest movie events of the year.
