Christopher Nolan reveals why he cast Travis Scott in 'The Odyssey' in new interview

It was confirmed in January that Scott would appear in the film after footage featuring the rapper was released

Christopher Nolan has explained why he cast rapper Travis Scott in his upcoming film The Odyssey, saying the musician’s presence connects directly to the story’s roots in oral storytelling traditions.

In a new interview with Time magazine, Nolan revealed that Scott will appear in the epic fantasy film as a bard. The director said the casting decision was designed to reflect how ancient stories were historically passed down through spoken poetry.

“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 said.

It was confirmed in January that Scott would appear in the film after footage featuring the rapper aired during Fox’s NFL AFC Championship broadcast.

The promotional clip showed Scott sharing scenes with Tom Holland’s Telemachus and Jon Bernthal’s Menelaus.

The Odyssey is Nolan’s adaptation of the classic Greek myth centred on Odysseus and his dangerous journey home following the Trojan War. The film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, while Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, one of the suitors attempting to take over Ithaca during the king’s absence.

Anne Hathaway portrays Queen Penelope, Charlize Theron plays the sorceress Circe, and Himesh Patel appears as Eurylochus. The cast also includes Zendaya, Mia Goth, Elliot Page, Lupita Nyong’o, John Leguizamo and Benny Safdie.

Nolan is reportedly filming the production entirely with IMAX cameras while limiting the use of CGI in favour of practical effects and in-camera filmmaking techniques.

Scott previously collaborated with Nolan on the soundtrack for Tenet, contributing the track “The Plan”. It remains unclear whether the rapper will also provide music for The Odyssey.

The film is scheduled for theatrical release on July 17, 2026.