Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film The Odyssey has sparked intense online debate over its creative direction and casting choices. One of the biggest surprises on the roster is Travis Scott.
The prominent rapper secured an unconventional role as one of the birds narrating the epic tale of Odysseus, the King of Ithaca. During a July 21 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Scott detailed how the rare opportunity came together.
He revealed that Nolan reached out personally to offer him a Shakespearean-style role. The initial contact left the “SICKO MODE” artist completely caught off guard.
The Pitch from Christopher Nolan
Scott recalled looking at his phone and seeing a message from “Chris.” He initially assumed the acclaimed director simply wanted tickets to an upcoming concert.
“I picked up the phone, and he asked, ‘Would you be interested in being in a movie?'” Scott explained. “I was like, ‘Well, I guess, you know? What kind of role?’ But I didn’t think it was for him. I thought it might be for someone else.”
The 35-year-old was stunned by the offer. Aside from music videos, he had zero acting experience. Scott told Nolan, “Whoa, wait. Hold on. You know I make music, right?” In response, the director delivered a passionate dissertation detailing exactly why he needed the rapper for the film.
Acting Alongside Hollywood Heavyweights
Taking on his first major acting gig came with heavy intimidation. Scott admitted to Fallon that he felt entirely out of his depth on set.
“I was incredibly nervous, but it all worked out,” Scott said. “I didn’t know it was going to be Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson—a bunch of amazing people.”
He described feeling overwhelmed but ultimately inspired by the A-list ensemble. “I have no idea what the hell I’m doing. But it was such an amazing cast, you know?”
A Mentorship Beyond Music
Despite his initial fears, Scott embraced the challenge under Nolan’s guidance. The rapper now views the legendary filmmaker as a profound influence on his creative life.
“I really love working with him. He inspires me a lot; he is a true mentor to me outside of cinema,” Scott noted. “I told him, ‘Hey, whatever you want, I’m in. Whatever it is, I’m ready.'”
Scott’s contributions to The Odyssey also extend to the soundtrack. He collaborated with James Blake on a track titled “WHEN I’M HOME,” which plays during the film’s closing credits and features lyrics directly referencing the on-screen epic.
