In an era where blockbuster filmmaking often leans heavily on CGI, Christopher Nolan is once again pushing in the opposite direction, and Tom Holland is fully on board. As buzz builds around The Odyssey, he has praised the director’s commitment to practical effects, revealing that many scenes he assumed were digital were actually filmed in real conditions.
That hands-on approach is nothing new for Nolan, but the movie may take it to another level. It was shot across multiple real-world locations using IMAX film cameras, reinforcing the director’s long-standing preference for scale, realism and in-camera spectacle over computer-generated imagery.
What did Holland say about Nolan’s vision for The Odyssey?
Tom Holland praised Christopher Nolan’s use of practical effects, revealing that scenes he thought were CGI were actually done in-camera. Speaking about The Odyssey, he emphasized just how surprising Nolan’s techniques were, even to him.
He recalled watching sequences that seemed impossible to achieve without digital effects, only to discover they were executed practically:
“There were certain sequences in the movie where I’m watching it and I’m just sort of thinking like, ‘How on earth has he done that? That has to be CG.’ And then after the movie asking him, ‘That was definitely CG, right?’ And he’s like, ‘No, no, no, that’s all in camera effects. Very planned, very prepared.’ So I think fans are going to be really, really blown away by the set pieces and sequences throughout the movie”.
The actor’s reaction aligns with what has been widely reported about Nolan’s filmmaking style. The director is known for prioritizing real locations, large-scale practical effects and IMAX cinematography over heavy digital reliance.
Holland’s comments not only highlight the technical ambition behind the film, but also reinforce expectations that audiences will experience something visually striking and grounded in realism.
With a cast led by Matt Damon and a story rooted in Homer’s epic, the project is already shaping up to be one of the most immersive cinematic releases of the year.
