Christopher Nolan gave John Leguizamo a blunt warning before filming Odyssey began

Image: Universal Pictures

Christopher Nolan is well-known for cultivating a dedicated inner circle of collaborators. From Michael Caine’s eight-film streak to Cillian Murphy’s long-standing partnership culminating in the lead role for Oppenheimer, the director tends to build lasting professional bonds. Even Christian Bale, who solidified his status in The Prestige, became synonymous with Nolan’s vision through the Dark Knight trilogy. While his loyalty to familiar faces is legendary, the Oscar-winning auteur is clearly just as comfortable incorporating fresh talent into his expansive cinematic universe.

The Odyssey welcomes a new wave of performers into the fold, including Lupita Nyong’o, Tom Holland, and John Leguizamo. When Polygon sat down with Leguizamo ahead of the premiere, we caught up on his experience joining the Nolan troupe. Known for iconic roles ranging from the original Super Mario Bros. to the Ice Age series, the veteran actor shared that the most impactful advice he received came directly from the director himself.

“He personally prepped me,” Leguizamo told us. “He mentioned right away that there would be a total ban on cell phones. Without digital distractions, we were essentially forced to communicate and bond. It created an incredible atmosphere.”

Leguizamo is not alone in navigating Nolan’s strict, device-free sets. Tom Holland recently opened up to GQ about the struggle of staying updated on football scores without his phone. “I was filming in L.A. and we weren’t allowed to have our phones on set,” Holland explained. “I found myself tracking down crew members who I knew were ‘breaking the rules’ just to get updates. Sneaking away during lunch to watch the final minutes of a match—and then returning to set with that adrenaline—made for a pretty fun, albeit challenging, experience.”

Beyond his commitment to eliminating distractions, Nolan is recognized for sharing in the physical hardships of his productions. Leguizamo emphasized that the director doesn’t just call the shots from afar; he is right there in the thick of it.

“The intensity is palpable,” Leguizamo noted. “He’s right behind the camera where he belongs, observing the soul of the performance. If conditions are freezing or if there’s a brutal windstorm, he’s enduring it right alongside us. He’s there to protect you every step of the way, which makes you feel incredibly supported.”

The Odyssey hits theaters on July 17.

Source: Polygon