Christopher Nolan defends Travis Scott’s casting in The Odyssey: 'Rap is analogous to oral poetry'

Acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan has defended his decision to cast rapper Travis Scott in his upcoming epic The Odyssey, saying the choice was rooted in the oral storytelling traditions behind Homer’s legendary poem.

In a recent interview with Time magazine, Nolan addressed the online debate surrounding Scott’s appearance in the film’s trailer, where the rapper is seen portraying a bard.

“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 explained, as reported by Variety. The filmmaker’s comments come as anticipation continues to build around The Odyssey, which is already being hailed as one of the biggest cinematic events of the year.

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Online criticism over armour design

Apart from Travis Scott’s casting, The Odyssey has also generated discussion online over the visual design of its armour and costumes.

Several social media users compared the dark metallic armour worn by warriors in the trailer to Batman’s modern Batsuit aesthetic, questioning whether the designs were historically accurate.

Responding to the criticism, Nolan pointed to historical references supporting the creative choices. “There are Mycenaean daggers that are blackened bronze,” the filmmaker said, explaining that ancient civilisations may have had techniques to darken bronze using gold, silver and sulphur mixtures.

He added that costume designer Ellen Mirojnick specifically used luxurious materials to visually communicate the elevated status of characters like Agamemnon.

Nolan compares The Odyssey research to Interstellar

Known for his obsession with detail and scientific precision, Nolan also spoke about approaching The Odyssey with the same seriousness he brought to Interstellar. The director famously worked with scientists while developing Interstellar to ensure its depiction of space and physics remained grounded in credible theory.

According to Nolan, recreating the ancient past required a similarly research-heavy process. “For ‘Interstellar,’ you’re looking at, ‘What is the best speculation of the future?’ When you’re looking at the ancient past, it’s actually the same thing,” he said.

The filmmaker stressed that while audiences may not agree with every artistic choice, he wanted viewers to understand that the historical interpretation was never approached casually. “We had a lot of scientists complain about ‘Interstellar.’ But you just don’t want people to think that you took it on frivolously,” Nolan added.

Nolan’s most ambitious film yet

Following the massive success of Oppenheimer, Nolan is returning with a sprawling mythological epic reportedly mounted on a staggering $250 million budget.

Adapted from Homer’s ancient Greek poem, the film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek king attempting to return home after war while facing a series of dangerous trials and mythical obstacles. Anne Hathaway plays Penelope, Odysseus’ loyal wife, while Tom Holland appears as their son Telemachus. The ensemble cast also includes Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal and Benny Safdie.

The film is also notable for becoming the first project in Nolan’s career to be shot entirely using 70 mm IMAX cameras.

Release date and growing anticipation

With its massive scale, star-studded cast and Nolan’s reputation for event cinema, The Odyssey is already emerging as one of Hollywood’s most anticipated releases.

The film is scheduled to hit theatres on July 17.