Chistopher Nolan explains surprise decision to cast Travis Scott in The Odyssey

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Director Christopher Nolan recently discussed the inspirations behind his upcoming film based on Homer’s The Odyssey, and explained his decision to cast rapper Travis Scott in a role.

Christopher Nolan is known for keeping details about his films secret before they come out, often saying that revealing plot points would be like looking at a Christmas gift before it’s time to open it.

While on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he drew parallels between The Odyssey and Marvel films, Nolan remained tight-lipped about whether his movie would include any supernatural aspects or even feature gods.

In a recent, extensive interview with Time Magazine, Christopher Nolan discussed the influences behind his film, including Homer’s Odyssey, and also explained the surprising choice to cast Travis Scott.

Travis Scott is in The Odyssey as oral poetry is like rap

Christopher Nolan revealed the reason he chose Travis Scott for his upcoming film, ‘THE ODYSSEY.’ He explained that he wanted to connect the story to its roots as oral poetry, seeing a parallel between that tradition and the art of rap.

— ScreenTime (@screentime) May 12, 2026

In an interview, Nolan explained his motivation for creating the film, stating that a large-scale Hollywood adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey hadn’t been attempted before, which he found surprising given the story’s epic nature.

He also discussed the things that inspired the movie, comparing the original stories of Homer to rap music. This connection led him to cast Travis Scott, as he wanted to emphasize the idea that the story, like rap, has been passed down through generations by word of mouth.

The movie won’t feature rap music, and you won’t hear a traditional orchestra either. Director Christopher Nolan has asked his composer, Ludwig Göransson, to create a score that deliberately avoids what audiences might expect.

New trailer for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey

In theaters July 17

— ScreenTime (@screentime) May 5, 2026

Göransson explains, ‘There wasn’t an established orchestral sound at the time, so it was both difficult and a chance to create something truly different.’

Rather than a traditional score, the film’s music is built around the sounds of 35 gongs, blended with synthesizers. Composer Ludwig Göransson also revealed a unique idea from director Christopher Nolan that made it into the final cut: using the sound of a lyre created by plucking Odysseus’ bow.

The film The Odyssey will be released on July 17, 2026. You can find our list of Christopher Nolan’s best movies here.

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2026-05-12 18:20