Christopher Nolan Wanted Avengers 5’s Robert Downey Jr In The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan’s The Odessey cast could have included an Oscar-winning actor in a key role, but their commitment to Avengers: Doomsday prevented this casting decision from becoming a reality.

Nolan’s The Odyssey is a feature film adaptation of the epic poem of the same name by Homer. Oppenheimer star Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, the Ancient Greek king of Ithaca who journeys home after the Trojan War to reunite with his wife. Damon leads an ensemble cast of actors that includes Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Mia Goth, and many more. A few of these actors have worked with Nolan before, but Avengers: Doomsday is rumored to have prevented a particular reunion.

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Reputable scooper Daniel Richtman reports that Nolan wanted Robert Downey Jr. to portray Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea who serves as a foil to Odysseus by impeding his journey home. The casting decision would have reunited Nolan and Downey Jr. after the two worked together on Oppenheimer, which won Downey Jr. the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. However, Downey Jr.’s filming schedule for Avengers: Doomsday meant he was too busy to join the Odyssey cast. It’s unclear if the Poseidon has been cast, as Damon’s role is the only one announced as of this writing.

Richtman also shared details about Nolan’s approach to The Odyssey. Those familiar with Homer’s The Odyssey know it as an epic fantasy story featuring Greek gods, mythical creatures, and perilous encounters. While most filmmakers would likely choose to use CGI to bring these elements to life on screen, Nolan is known for limiting CGI whenever possible. For example, Oppenheimer‘s depiction of the first nuclear weapon detonation was achieved using practical effects. According to Richtman, Nolan “is staying super faithful to the original story. He’s committed to utilizing as many practical effects, real sets, and makeup techniques as possible.” Richtman also notes that Nolan has an idea for his next film after The Odyssey, which he describes as another epic on a similar scale. However, it’s still early, and Nolan remains fully committed to The Odyssey.

Fans are excited to see Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey. While Nolan has helmed several big-budget blockbusters, The Odyssey is undoubtedly his most ambitious project yet. With his tendency to use practical effects, real locations, and some of the best actors working in Hollywood, the potential for Nolan’s The Odyssey is limitless.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 1, 2026, and The Odyssey is scheduled for July 17, 2026.

Avengers: Doomsday

Release Date

May 1, 2026

Director

Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Writers

Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, Stephen McFeely

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Source: Daniel Richtman