Benny Safdie Reuniting with Christopher Nolan for ‘The Odyssey’ (Exclusive)

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Film director Benny Safdie is once again teaming up with Christopher Nolan for his upcoming project, titled The Odyssey.

In the upcoming Universal Pictures production, which boasts an impressive cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, and Jon Bernthal, Safdie will be portraying the role of physicist Edward Teller, as seen in Nolan’s Academy Award-winning film Oppenheimer.

Or, more casually:

Joining an all-star cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, and Jon Bernthal in a Universal Pictures production, Safdie will take on the role of physicist Edward Teller, as he did in Nolan’s award-winning film Oppenheimer.

Title Project: A Global Epic Adaptation Based on Homer’s Greek Epic Poem

In December, Universal announced this project as a “mythical action epic” that will be filmed using state-of-the-art IMAX technology across the globe. This film marks the debut of Homer’s timeless tale on IMAX screens worldwide and is set to hit theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.

The poem narrates the tale of King Odysseus, the legendary Greek hero, and his arduous ten-year voyage back to Ithaca following the Trojan War. This journey was marked by numerous delays and divine intervention (not forgetting a few encounters with Cyclopes). Moreover, the narrative encompasses the struggles faced by Odysseus’s wife and adult son as they deal with ambitious suitors eyeing the throne.

The roles and character identities are being concealed within the lair of Polyphemus, with no word yet from Universal regarding the choice of actors.

Shooting is due to begin in late February.

Recently, Safdie has been noticed playing a significant role in the 2023 Showtime/A24 production titled “The Curse“. Alongside Nathan Fielder, he was both a co-writer and co-creator of this series. For his acting skills displayed in the series, he received a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award. Additionally, he was recognized with a Writers Guild Award for his writing contribution.

More recently, he finished working as a co-star in Adam Sandler’s film titled “Happy Gilmore 2“. Later on this year, his first solo directorial project, “The Smashing Machine“, produced by A24, is set to be released. This movie is a biographical drama based on the life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, featuring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt in lead roles.

As a gamer, I’ve stepped out of the digital world and onto the silver screen, leaving behind my controller for a script. You might recognize me from Lionsgate’s “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” or perhaps Claire Denis’ Palme d’Or-nominated flick, “The Stars at Noon.” But don’t forget about Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterpiece, “Licorice Pizza,” where I also showcased my acting skills. While my brother might be known for his directing prowess, I’ve been busy building an impressive acting resume of my own.

He additionally acted alongside Robert Pattinson in the A24 movie “Good Time,” which he also jointly directed with his sibling Josh. This role earned him a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award in the category of Best Supporting Actor.

Safdie is repped by WME, Untitled, and Lichter Grossman.

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2025-01-29 23:24