All 10 Actor Chris Nolan Has Worked With Before Returning in The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan has earned a reputation as one of the top directors in contemporary cinema, thanks to his consistent success with both critics and audiences at the box office. His diverse array of high-profile projects has resonated with numerous demographics, making him a well-known figure in the film industry. Fans from all walks of life recognize his name. In 2026, Christopher Nolan’s next major project, “The Odyssey,” will hit theaters on July 17th. This adaptation of the ancient Greek epic by Homer is already generating buzz as more details about the movie are unveiled, fueling excitement among fans.

In my humble opinion as a movie critic, The Odyssey boasts an astounding lineup of A-list Hollywood talent, perhaps unrivaled in a single film’s ensemble cast. Among the esteemed company of Nolan’s regular collaborators gracing the silver screen for this epic, it’s clear that the substantial budget dedicated to The Odyssey will undeniably enhance its visual splendor. Moreover, this project serves as a reunion for Nolan and no less than 10 actors who have previously worked alongside him. While not all have held leading roles in his previous films, these 10 veterans of Nolan’s directorial realm are poised to bring their collective expertise to bear on this cinematic masterpiece.

1) Matt Damon

Matt Damon, who has spent numerous years shining as a leading actor in Hollywood, is all set to take on the role of Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey. Given his extensive experience, it’s no surprise that Damon will be playing the central character in this film’s narrative, a responsibility he seems well-equipped to handle. His latest appearance in Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel serves as evidence of his aptitude for historical epics, and his multifaceted career spanning various genres is a testament to his talent.

Matt Damon isn’t new to working with director Christopher Nolan. His latest project together was “Oppenheimer,” where he played Leslie Groves alongside Cillian Murphy’s J. Robert Oppenheimer. Prior to that, Damon appeared in Nolan’s 2014 film “Interstellar,” where he took on the role of Dr. Mann, a scientist stranded on a distant planet, eventually rescued by the mission tasked with finding a new home for mankind among the stars.

2) Robert Pattinson

Despite gaining fame early on, Robert Pattinson has since matured into one of Hollywood’s rising stars. After his appearances in the Twilight Saga and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Pattinson’s stardom grew, resulting in significant roles in films like the Safdie brothers’ crime drama Good Time and the highly-anticipated Batman part in Matt Reeves’ The Batman. He is among several DC actors chosen for Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation of The Odyssey.

Robert Pattinson has previously collaborated with the director, but only on one project – the 2020 film “Tenet”. In this movie, he acted alongside John David Washington and portrayed Neil, the protagonist’s handler. This role in the complex sci-fi thriller was his initial team-up with Nolan, showcasing his remarkable versatility as an actor. Although Pattinson’s part in the upcoming project hasn’t been officially revealed yet, it is known that he will star in “The Odyssey”.

3) Elliot Page

I, a seasoned movie critic, have always admired the captivating performances delivered by Elliot Page. From his breakout roles in critically acclaimed films like “Juno” and “Hard Candy,” to his impressive stints in blockbusters such as the “X-Men” franchise and Netflix’s “The Umbrella Academy,” Page has consistently left an indelible mark on the silver screen.

In addition to his remarkable acting career, Page is widely recognized for his passionate activism, particularly championing LGBTQ rights. The latest news in Page’s illustrious journey is his inclusion in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film, “The Odyssey.” While the details of his role are still under wraps, I, along with countless other fans, eagerly await the unveiling of this exciting collaboration between a renowned actor and visionary director.

Elliot Page previously collaborated with Christopher Nolan about ten years ago, and their last project together was “Inception” from 2010. In this film, Page played a significant supporting role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, working as part of a team that aimed to implant an idea in a target’s mind by manipulating their dreams. The performance Page gave in “Inception” was impressive, and his diverse career history demonstrates that he is well-suited for roles in Nolan’s future grand productions.

4) Benny Safdie

As a cinephile myself, I can’t help but be intrigued by the relatively unknown actor Benny Safdie, who’s making waves in Tinseltown. Though he might not be a household name just yet, the Safdie brother, one of the dynamic duo behind critically acclaimed films like “Uncut Gems” and “Good Time,” has been steadily gaining recognition. Having dabbled in acting with his role in “Good Time,” Benny is now expanding his repertoire with notable appearances in “Pieces of a Woman,” “Licorice Pizza,” “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” and even the long-awaited sequel to “Happy Gilmore” – quite an impressive filmography for someone still on the rise!

It’s worth noting that Benny Safdie, so far, has achieved significant recognition for his acting career through his initial teamwork with Christopher Nolan. This collaboration led to Safdie playing Edward Teller in “Oppenheimer,” a role that may not have been central but still managed to make an impact within the film’s stellar ensemble cast. Additionally, it was announced that he will be part of an unspecified role in “The Odyssey” set for release in 2026, marking another reunion with Christopher Nolan on this upcoming production.

5) Anne Hathaway

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but acknowledge the undeniable star power of Anne Hathaway. Kicking off her career with the enchanting role in The Princess Diaries, she swiftly rose to prominence. However, it was her exceptional portrayal in Les Miserables that earned her an Oscar, solidifying her status as one of the world’s finest actors.

Hathaway has graced our screens with a diverse range of films spanning various genres. From Tim Burton’s whimsical Alice in Wonderland to romantic comedies like Love & Other Drugs and Bride Wars, and the heist thriller Oceans 8, she’s proven her versatility as an actress time and again.

Anne Hathaway has been chosen for an unspecified part in The Odyssey, however, this isn’t her debut project with Christopher Nolan. Previously, she portrayed Selina Kyle in Nolan’s Batman trilogy and was pivotal in 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises as the antagonist. Later, she landed a significant role in his 2014 film Interstellar, receiving much acclaim from critics. Now, she’s preparing for her third significant collaboration with Nolan in The Odyssey.

6) Himesh Patel

Although Himesh Patel has been acting on the British soap Eastenders since 2007, he is still relatively fresh in Hollywood. His first film appearance was in 2019 when he starred as the lead in Danny Boyle’s musical movie Yesterday. Since then, he has appeared in films like Don’t Look Up, Good Grief, and Greedy People, as well as roles on TV shows such as Station Eleven, Black Mirror, and The Franchise.

Himesh Patel is one of the actors joining the cast of The Odyssey who has previously collaborated with director Christopher Nolan. In 2020, he appeared in Tenet, playing Mahir, a character hired by Robert Pattinson’s Neil to aid the Protagonist. With his versatile acting background and rapidly growing fame, Patel adds an element of excitement to The Odyssey, particularly since it gives him another opportunity to work with Nolan.

7) Bill Irwin

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’ve always admired the versatile talents of Bill Irwin. Though he may not be a familiar face to many, this exceptional character actor has carved out an extraordinary career for himself. A significant part of his success can be attributed to his captivating roles in various TV series. For instance, I fondly remember his recurring role as Dr. Peter Lindstrom on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, his chilling portrayal of the Dick and Jane Killer on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and the intriguing character of Cary Loudermilk in Legion. Adding to my excitement, Bill Irwin has been confirmed as part of the cast for Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film, The Odyssey.

Irwin has collaborated with director Christopher Nolan before, but it may be challenging for many to pinpoint his previous projects with Nolan. In the 2014 film Interstellar, Irwin lent his voice to TARS, one of the robots on Cooper’s mission to find a new home for humanity in space. The nature of Irwin’s role in The Odyssey remains undisclosed at this time, but it promises another opportunity for him to team up with Christopher Nolan.

8) Josh Stewart

A well-known character actor, Josh Stewart, is featured in The Odyssey. Stewart gained popularity through his role as Officer Brendan Finney on NBC’s Third Watch, and later starred on FX’s Dirt and CBS crime drama Criminal Minds. He also landed significant roles in numerous big-screen hits, such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Law Abiding Citizen, and Transcendence, working alongside some of Tinseltown’s top stars.

In his career, Stewart has previously worked with Christopher Nolan on three films. He portrayed Barsad, one of Bane’s henchmen, in “The Dark Knight Rises,” lent his voice to CASE, another robot character, in “Interstellar,” and also provided a voice role in “Tenet.” Despite having smaller roles in Nolan’s previous movies, he is evidently a reliable actor for the director as they are set to work together again on “The Odyssey.

9) Elyes Gabel

Elyes Gabel, a renowned British actor, initially gained popularity through his performances in British shows like the medical drama “Casualty” and the school-focused series “Waterloo Road.” However, it was his role on “Game of Thrones” as Dothraki Rakharo that brought him international recognition. Later, he garnered wider fame with his outstanding portrayal of computer genius Walter O’Brien in the CBS series “Scorpion.” Currently, Gabel is among the actors joining the cast for the upcoming production titled “The Odyssey“.

I had the privilege of working alongside Christopher Nolan, albeit briefly, on the magnificent film “Interstellar,” where I portrayed an unnamed administrator with limited screen time. Regardless, my journey since then has been marked by significant growth, culminating in my inclusion in the esteemed cast of “The Odyssey.” Notably, this collaboration marks my second venture with Christopher Nolan, a truly prestigious achievement. Additionally, my stint on “Game of Thrones” has undoubtedly equipped me with valuable skills that will serve me well in the production of a historical epic like this one.

10) Jamie Harris

Jamie Harris may not be a commonly recognized name, but he hails from a family that’s renowned in the acting and directing world. As the son of Richard Harris, brother to actor Jared Harris, and brother-in-law to director Damian Harris, Jamie has built an impressive career. His resume includes supporting roles in films like “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “The Green Hornet,” and the 2021 adaptation of “West Side Story,” as well as appearances on Marvel’s “Agents of SHIELD” and “Lovecraft Country.

Jamie Harris will soon be seen in the film adaptation of The Odyssey, and interestingly enough, he has collaborated with Christopher Nolan on a previous project. In 2006, Harris portrayed a minor character in The Prestige, although his role didn’t leave a lasting impression, it does make him part of a select group of actors who have worked with Nolan. This latest casting adds to the list of Nolan reuniting with familiar faces for The Odyssey, enriching its ensemble and positioning it as one of Nolan’s most impressive lineups yet.

2025-08-02 18:12