[Edaily Starin Choi Hee-jae Reporter] "I’ve wanted to visit Korea for a long time. I’m delighted to meet Korean audiences for the first time through *The Odyssey*."

Director Christopher Nolan shared his thoughts on his first visit to Korea at a press conference for the film *The Odyssey* held on the 3rd at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul. In addition to Director Christopher Nolan, producer Emma Thomas and actors Matt Damon and Charlize Theron were in attendance.
This was Director Christopher Nolan’s first visit to Korea for *The Odyssey*. His previous films—including *Interstellar*, *Dunkirk*, *Tenet*, and *Oppenheimer*—have drawn over 36 million viewers in Korea alone. It is reported that Director Christopher Nolan expressed a strong desire to visit Korea as a way to reciprocate the love shown by Korean fans.
“I know that Korean audiences really loved *Interstellar*,” Nolan said. “It’s amazing and heartwarming to have people in a country I’ve never visited enjoy a movie I made.”
Upon arriving in Korea, Nolan visited a famous salt bread shop and took a walk along the Han River, remarking, “Seoul is a truly amazing city.”
Matt Damon visited Korea for the first time in 10 years. In particular, his appearance watching a professional baseball game with his family drew a lot of attention. Matt Damon said, “I’d heard so much about how fun Korean baseball is that I really wanted to see it, and it was so much fun,” adding, “I was especially amazed by the energetic cheering from each team’s fans.”
Charlize Theron added with a smile, “I enjoyed delicious meals with my Korean friends and took good care of my skin,” joking, “My good skin is all thanks to Korean technology.”

“The Martian” was filmed entirely in IMAX. Matt Damon shared his thoughts on the project, saying, “It was the greatest opportunity and experience of my career,” and added, “I’ve never worked with such passion before.”
Matt Damon has previously remarked, “It felt like I shot seven movies.” He noted, “Each location had its own challenges, and every chapter told a different story,” but expressed his unwavering trust, saying, “If Director Nolan offers me his next project, I’d say ‘yes’ without hesitation. It could even be 12 movies—more than seven.”
Charlize Theron added that she was amazed by director Christopher Nolan’s systematic approach to filmmaking, as well as the intimate atmosphere on set despite that.
In an era where the ways of consuming movies have diversified, Christopher Nolan is renowned as a director who focuses on the essence of cinema. Nolan explained, “What movies and theaters offer us is the ability to emotionally connect with other audience members through our subjective experiences. It’s both a personal and a collective experience.”
He continued, “When making *The Odyssey*, I created it with the intention of inviting the audience to join Odysseus on his journey,” adding, “I filmed it as if we were on that ship with Odysseus, climbing a mountain, or entering a cave. I hope you’ll experience it in theaters on the big screen.”
Producer Emma Thomas, who has worked closely with Director Nolan for many years, expressed confidence, saying, “It was a truly arduous process, and a film made with intense dedication,” and added, “We poured everything into it.”
Matt Damon said, “I’m thrilled to present this film. It’s the most exciting and nerve-wracking moment,” adding, “I’m curious to hear what Korean audiences think and have to say.” He continued, “Just like the original story, I think the film will resonate differently depending on where you are in your own life. Since the film touches on a variety of themes, I believe many people will relate to it.”

Opening on the 5th, “The Odyssey” follows the journey of Odysseus (played by Matt Damon), the hero who led the 10-year Trojan War to victory, as he sets out to return to his wife Penelope (played by Anne Hathaway) and his son Telemachus (played by Tom Holland). Matt Damon plays the lead role of Odysseus, while Charlize Theron portrays Calypso, the goddess of the sea.
On the 29th of last month, seven days before its release, *The Odyssey* had already surpassed 150,000 advance tickets sold. This marks the highest number of advance tickets ever sold for a film directed by Christopher Nolan. Its global performance is also drawing attention. On the 17th, the day of its North American release, *The Odyssey* grossed $51 million (approximately 76 billion won) and topped the box office. This marks the best opening in director Nolan’s filmography.