Mia Goth said she felt a mix of excitement and anxiety before meeting director Christopher Nolan for the first time, an encounter that ultimately led to her casting in The Odyssey movie, Nolan’s forthcoming retelling of Homer’s ancient Greek epic.
In a recent interview, the actress offered a rare glimpse into the highly secretive audition process and the disciplined working environment that defines a Christopher Nolan film set.
The Odyssey movie, scheduled for release in July 2026, features an ensemble cast led by Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland and marks Nolan’s first major adaptation of a classical literary work.
Goth spoke about her experience on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast hosted by Josh Horowitz, recalling how nervous she felt driving to her audition at Universal Studios.
“I remember driving over to Universal and being so nervous that I wanted to throw up,” Goth said. She added that she tried to reframe the moment as an opportunity rather than pressure.
The actress said the audition process for The Odyssey movie was unlike any she had experienced. She was given “dummy sides,” scenes written specifically to conceal the actual plot and characters.
According to Goth, she agreed to take the role before reading the real script, a condition she understood was part of Nolan’s strict confidentiality practices.
Only after accepting the offer was Goth allowed to see the screenplay, a move that reflects Nolan’s long standing emphasis on secrecy throughout casting and production.
Film industry analysts say such secrecy has become increasingly common on high profile productions, though Nolan is known for taking the practice further than most.
Dr. Helen Crawford, a film studies professor at New York University, said Nolan’s approach places a high level of trust on actors. “From the actor’s perspective, it can be intimidating,” Crawford said.
“But it also creates a unique psychological commitment to the project, because performers are saying yes based on the director’s vision rather than specific dialogue or scenes.”
Casting consultant Mark Feldman, who has worked on large studio films but was not involved with The Odyssey movie, said the process can filter for adaptability. “Actors who thrive in that environment are often the ones most willing to collaborate and take creative risks,” Feldman said.
According to data from the Producers Guild of America, secrecy measures in big budget films have increased steadily over the past decade.
More than half of studio films with budgets exceeding $100 million now limit script access during auditions, compared with roughly one third in the early twenty ten years.
Christopher Nolan’s productions are frequently cited as examples of strict on-set discipline. Past collaborators have noted policies such as no mobile phones, limited chairs and minimal reliance on monitors.
Goth confirmed similar rules were in place during The Odyssey movie shoot. Goth said the environment initially felt overwhelming but soon became unifying.
She described the first days on set as “completely overwhelming and totally surreal,” adding that the intensity eventually gave way to a collaborative rhythm.
She also noted that Nolan’s rules encouraged focus and presence among cast and crew. By limiting distractions, she said, actors felt a stronger sense of ownership over the space in which they were working.
A European based production assistant who worked on location shoots and spoke on condition of anonymity said the structure helped maintain momentum.
“Everyone knows why they are there,” the assistant said. “There is very little downtime, but the clarity makes the work efficient.”
Local logistics coordinator Elena Rossi said the atmosphere differed from other large productions. “It feels disciplined without being hostile,” Rossi said. “People listen more, and that changes the energy on set.”
The Odyssey movie stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope and Tom Holland as Telemachus. The cast also includes Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron and Lupita Nyong’o.
Industry analysts expect the film to be one of the most closely scrutinized releases of 2026, particularly following Nolan’s recent box office success.
For Goth, who plays Melantho, one of Penelope’s handmaids, the project represents another step into large scale filmmaking while maintaining her reputation for intense, character driven performances.
Mia Goth’s account of joining The Odyssey movie highlights the balance between secrecy, discipline and collaboration that defines a Christopher Nolan production.
As the film moves closer to its release, her experience provides insight into how one of Hollywood’s most influential directors continues to shape both process and performance on his sets.
