Christopher Nolan‘s ‘The Odyssey’ has stirred up excitement across India, thanks in no small part to its star-studded promotional tour accompanying the film’s buzz. Nolan, producer Emma Thomas, and actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland addressed the media at a press conference in Mumbai on Saturday, where Damon revealed the Indian filmmaker he has long wanted to collaborate with acclaimed director Shekhar Kapur.
Shekhar Kapur, the ’20-year-old debt’ Damon still carries
Reflecting on which Indian filmmaker he’d love to work with, Damon revisited an opportunity that had slipped through his fingers more than twenty years ago. “I remember that when we were starting out, everyone wanted to collaborate with Shekhar Kapur. I remember when I couldn’t do The Four Feathers for some reason, I was really upset about that. I think I was signed up for a Bourne movie. So, I guess, he has always been on my list and I would like to have another go. That’s like a 20-year-old little debt I’ve been carrying around in my pocket,” Damon said.
Shekhar Kapur’s heartfelt response to Damon
Touched by Damon’s remark, Kapur responded with equal admiration for the Oscar-winning actor. “I don’t think there is a filmmaker in the world who wouldn’t give their right arm to work with an actor who has as much emotional depth as Matt Damon. Who can ever forget his famous scene with Robin Williams, ‘It’s not your fault,’ in Good Will Hunting. I must have watched it over a 1000 times and been moved to tears each time. “Events move between the past, present and the future... while Time is created in our imagination… so it’s Time Matt, and I finally collaborate,” Kapur told NDTV.
Shekhar Kapur’s The Four Feathers and the role that got away
Back in 2002, Kapur was set to direct the historical war drama ‘The Four Feathers’, with Damon originally slated to take on the lead. Scheduling conflicts, however, forced the actor to step away, paving the way for Heath Ledger to headline the film.
What Damon’s India visit is really about
Damon’s visit to India comes as part of the promotional push for Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’, among the most eagerly awaited films of the year. Based on Homer’s Greek epic, the story follows legendary king Odysseus as he battles his way home after the Trojan War, facing mythical creatures, wrathful gods and near-impossible odds in a tale centred on survival, courage and endurance.
‘The Odyssey’ cast and release details
Boasting an ensemble cast that includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron and Jon Bernthal, the epic is directed by Christopher Nolan and produced by Emma Thomas. ‘The Odyssey’ is slated to release in theatres on July 17.
