Nolan’s ‘Odyssey’: Cyclops Puppet Set in Greek Cave, No CGI!

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Known for venturing beyond the norms of cinema, Christopher Nolan could be embarking on his most daring project with The Odyssey. This grandiose tale inspired by Homer’s timeless epic is slated to fill IMAX screens worldwide in 2026. To achieve this, Nolan plans to draw extensively from his directorial repertoire, incorporating real-life locations and practical effects for a more immersive experience. Yet, he intends to surpass expectations, as The Odyssey will strive to bring the Cyclops scene from the original poem to life in an unprecedented manner.

As per the insights shared by @NolanAnalyst on X, it appears that Christopher Nolan is opting against using CGI for the giant Cyclops from Homer’s Odyssey in his upcoming film. Instead, he plans to use a life-size practical puppet of the Cyclops within a cave for a scene, which will be filmed using IMAX cameras. Interestingly, the production team has chosen Nestor’s Cave, located in Messenia, Greece, to shoot this sequence. This location holds significant mythological and historical importance, necessitating extra precautions during filming to avoid damaging the cave. Reports suggest that safety measures are being implemented to ensure the natural beauty of the cave remains intact.

We’re planning to create a large, 6×6 meter mechanical puppet resembling a human inside Nestor’s Cave. This project is only temporary, designed to minimize any impact on the site. We’ll use portable materials and take extra care with protective layers such as geotextile and sand, to ensure the cave remains undamaged throughout the installation.

In most big-budget films, computer-generated imagery (CGI) is typically employed to create sequences like this, given it takes place in a real location. This is sensible since tampering with what might be a historical monument could be reckless and even hazardous in certain situations. However, as Nolan is known for his innovative use of practical effects on a grand scale, The Odyssey might just pull off the most daring stunt yet among all his productions.

‘The Odyssey’ Will Film in Greece Using Mostly In-Camera Effects

In essence, Christopher Nolan’s version of Homer’s “Odyssey” is shaping up to be the definitive adaptation of this ancient Greek epic. Previous screen adaptations such as Ralph Fiennes’ “The Return,” which focuses on the latter portion of the tale, have been made, but Nolan’s project appears to be the most comprehensive so far. This is because he plans to condense the entire story into a single movie, and film in various historical and famous Greek landscapes. Additionally, reports suggest that the production team will construct an entire village and employ fire effects on Almirolaka Beach.

A temporary eco-village will be constructed using sustainable resources. These structures will be properly anchored for safety and later removed to ensure the original site is restored completely. Professionally managed fire effects will be utilized for specific scenes, overseen by licensed pyrotechnicians.

With more information about the upcoming movie version of The Odyssey emerging, it’s worth pondering if fans will be treated to the first glimpses of Matt Damon and Tom Holland, along with other notable stars, in the film quite soon. Given Nolan’s productions typically operate under strict secrecy, it’s no surprise that set photos occasionally pop up online. This is largely due to his preference for filming on real locations rather than soundstages, which makes hiding major sets challenging.

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2025-02-11 23:31