John Papsidera on Casting Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'

John Papsidera, casting director for Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey,' discusses his journey from acting and restaurant management to Hollywood, his long collaboration with the Nolans, and the casting choices for the epic film. Papsidera, who previously worked on 'Memento' and 'Austin Powers,' emphasizes matching actors' souls to characters, prioritizing artistry over star power. He reveals that Matt Damon was a natural fit for Odysseus due to his craft and versatility, while Samantha Morton as Circe and Bill Irwin as Polyphemus were chosen for their unique talents. Lupita Nyong'o plays both Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, and Charlize Theron was cast as Calypso for her commanding presence. Papsidera defends hiring trained actors over non-actors, citing the importance of crafted performances. The film has sparked Oscar buzz for its cast, including Morton and Nyong'o. Papsidera also reflects on his favorite Nolan casts, citing 'Dunkirk' and 'Oppenheimer' as personal highlights.