'Direct Request' Christopher Nolan makes his first trip to Korea… with Matt Damon in tow

A flawless reimagining of myth, Nolan’s team makes a powerful return—and makes its first landing in Seoul

Hollywood’s undisputed titan, director 'Christopher Nolan', is finally stepping onto Korean soil. It’s his first time ever deciding to come to Korea, ahead of the release of his new film 'Odyssey'.

Universal Pictures, the distributor, officially announced that on Aug. 3 next month, director 'Christopher Nolan' and the lead actors 'Matt Damon' and 'Charlize Theron' will make an unannounced visit to Korea. Above all, the visit carries special significance because it is said to have been made possible by the director 'Christopher Nolan'’s own strong request. In a handwritten letter, he said, “I offer my deep thanks for the unwavering support Korean audiences have sent,” adding, “It is an honor to be able to visit Seoul with my new film 'Odyssey', and I’m looking forward to the chance to meet the audience face to face.”

The roster of Hollywood A-listers joining them in South Korea is equally impressive. 'Matt Damon' returns after a full decade since the 2016 film 'Jason Bourne', while 'Charlize Theron' is also preparing for a historic first meeting with domestic movie fans. During their stay, they plan to connect closely with Korean audiences through large-scale press conferences and red-carpet events.

'Odyssey', unveiled for the first time in three years since 'Oppenheimer' (2023), is a major film that brings the epic poem of Homer, the core of ancient Greek literature, back to the screen. It follows Odysseus, the hero of the Trojan War, on the arduous journey returning home—rendered with Nolan’s signature philosophical insight and overwhelming mise-en-scène.

The casting lineup is nothing short of unprecedented. Led by 'Matt Damon' and 'Charlize Theron', the film also brings together the best stars working today, including 'Tom Holland', 'Anne Hathaway', 'Robert Pattinson', and 'Zendaya'. In particular, the production is drawing attention for its plan to shoot the entire movie on 'IMAX' film cameras, raising expectations that it will once again push beyond the limits of film technology.

A massive blockbuster 'Odyssey' poised to change the landscape of this year’s theater scene will open as a pre-release in North America on Aug. 17, and it will enter Korean theaters officially on Sept. 5 next month.