Christopher Nolan Reveals Why He Cast Travis Scott in The Odyssey
Nolan says the rapper was cast to reflect the epic’s oral storytelling roots, and the film is set for theatrical release on July 17, 2026.
- Director Christopher Nolan confirmed in an interview with Time on Tuesday that rapper Travis Scott will appear in his upcoming film, The Odyssey, as a bard.
- Nolan explained that casting Scott nods to the film's story being handed down as "oral poetry," which he saw as being "analogous to rap." "I cast him because I wanted to nod towards the idea that this story has been handed down as oral poetry, which is analogous to rap," Nolan said.
- Scott previously contributed the track "The Plan" to the soundtrack for the filmmaker's 2020 movie, Tenet, building on a friendship formed after Nolan praised the rapper's "Franchise" music video in 2020.
- The film, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, features Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and Lupita Nyong and is the first production in Nolan's career to be shot entirely on 70 mm Imax cameras.
- Addressing historical accuracy concerns, Nolan said he wants audiences to enjoy the film even if they disagree with specific details. "Hopefully they'll enjoy the film, even if they don't agree with everything," he said.
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Nolan defends ‘The Odyssey’ casting choices after backlash over Travis Scott, Lupita Nyong’o
Director Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" has drawn scrutiny in recent days after a new trailer renewed debate over two picks in particular: rapper Travis Scott, who plays a bard, and actress Lupita Nyong'o, who is Black, cast as Helen of Troy. "I cast him because I wanted to nod towards the idea that this story has been handed down as oral poetry, which is analogous to rap," Nolan said.
Christopher Nolan explains Travis Scott casting and why rap is important to ‘The Odyssey’ story
Christopher Nolan has explained why he cast rapper Travis Scott in his forthcoming movie The Odyssey. READ MORE: ‘The Odyssey’ could be Christoper Nolan’s biggest blockbuster yet The upcoming blockbuster, an adaptation of the epic Greek poem by Homer, sees Matt Damon lead an all-star cast telling the story of Odysseus and his journey home from the Trojan War. Tom Holland also plays Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, while Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita…
The Independent
Christopher Nolan reveals reason he cast rapper Travis Scott in The Odyssey
‘The Odyssey’ marks the rapper’s first major film role
Christopher Nolan defends casting Travis Scott in “The Odyssey”
The "Oppenheimer" director wants history enthusiasts to appreciate his take on Homer's epic: "Hopefully they'll enjoy the film, even if they don't agree with everything."Christopher Nolan in Las Vegas on April 15, 2026; Travis Scott in Los Angeles on Nov. 16, 2023Credit: Monica Schipper/Getty; Frazer Harrison/GettyKey pointsChristopher Nolan explained why he cast Travis Scott in a supporting role in The Odyssey.The Inception director also justif…
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