John Leguizamo on Working With Christopher Nolan in THE ODYSSEY: “What I Imagine It Must Have Been Like to Work With Kubrick”

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is shaping up to be something monumental. With a globe-spanning production, a stacked ensemble cast, and a director known for reshaping cinematic expectations, it’s no wonder the anticipation is sky-high.

Now, John Leguizamo, one of the film’s stars, is offering a glimpse into what it’s like to be part of Nolan’s vision.

Speaking with People, Leguizamo didn’t hold back his enthusiasm. From the international shoot to the director’s unique process, the veteran actor made it clear he’s part of something special.

“We were in amazing locations. It's seven countries. They're in Morocco, Greece, Sicily, back to L.A., and [Nolan is] bringing work back to L.A. and to America, which is incredible. A huge American cast. It's diverse — oh my God, I just love this project.”

The film adapts Homer’s ancient Greek epic and it has has assembled an impressive cast that includes Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Jon Bernthal, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, and of course, Leguizamo. It’s a powerhouse roster.

Beyond the cast and the exotic backdrops, Leguizamo was most taken with Nolan’s approach to storytelling and world-building:

“It was like being with a visionary — like what I imagine it must have been like to work with Stanley Kubrick. Somebody creating worlds, and who thinks in a different way than the rest of us.”

Kubrick is known for his meticulous, boundary-pushing cinema, and for Leguizamo to draw that example speaks to what Nolan is cooking up with thsi epic.

He also admitted he’s passed on major roles in the past for “stupid reasons,” but this was one opportunity he had zero hesitation about.

The film is slated to open July 17, 2026, and while we’re still waiting for a proper trailer, everything coming out of production sounds incredible.