Matt Damon Reveals Christopher Nolan’s Unique Way of Reaching Actors

Christopher Nolan is one of Hollywood’s most renowned directors, yet he has a distinctive approach to communication. According to Matt Damon, the visionary behind The Odyssey opts out of using phones, text messages, or emails, making his method of contacting actors surprisingly traditional.

In a recent PEOPLE cover story, Damon shared insights about collaborating with Nolan and how he discovered the director wanted him to portray Odysseus in The Odyssey. He revealed that it was Nolan’s wife and producing partner, Emma Thomas, who initially reached out.

Thomas contacted Damon to check his availability for a call, explaining that Nolan does not possess a personal phone. “Because Chris famously doesn’t have a phone,” Damon noted.

Instead of a typical call from a known number, Damon mentioned that Nolan usually calls from a random number associated with Universal Studios. Even Nolan himself is unaware of which number will show up when he makes the call.

“You get a phone call from a nondescript number, because he’s just picking up a line at Universal Studios,” Damon elaborated.

Damon explained that Thomas often gives actors a heads-up before Nolan calls, ensuring they recognize that an unfamiliar number is actually the director trying to reach them. This was precisely how Damon learned about Nolan’s ambitious adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic.

Damon recalled that their conversation lasted about 10 to 15 minutes. Initially, he thought it was just a casual catch-up since it had been a short while since Oppenheimer wrapped up its awards season.

Damon said he assumed Nolan would take a longer break before diving into another project. However, Nolan surprised him by expressing his eagerness to get back to work.

“He blurted out, ‘Yeah, I’m thinking of going back to work.’ And I went, ‘Wait, already?’” Damon recounted.

This conversation ultimately led to Damon taking on the role of Odysseus in The Odyssey. The film marks a reunion for Damon and Nolan following their previous collaborations on Interstellar and Oppenheimer.

The cast features an impressive lineup, including Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, and Samantha Morton. Nolan also shared with PEOPLE that he typically does not write characters with specific actors in mind. He believes that doing so can restrict the creative process.

“I try to just discover the characters through the process of writing,” Nolan explained. He added that crafting a role around a particular actor might lead to repeating familiar performances.

“You’re writing to what you’ve seen an actor do before,” he said. Instead, Nolan prefers to complete the script first and then determine which actors would best suit each role. He described the casting process as one of the most enjoyable aspects of filmmaking.

“You get to sit there and go, ‘Okay, I wonder what Matt’s doing this week or should I give Anne a call?’ And that’s the fun of it,” Nolan remarked.

With The Odyssey now in theaters, Damon’s account offers fans a glimpse into Nolan’s distinctive working style. From steering clear of modern communication methods to thoughtfully selecting his cast, the director continues to navigate Hollywood in his own unique way.

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