Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Secures Extended Theatrical Run Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey has received a significant update regarding its release strategy, which will grant the highly anticipated project a longer theatrical run. Universal Pictures has announced a revised distribution plan that extends cinema exclusivity for major releases, offering audiences more time to experience the film in theaters before it transitions to home entertainment platforms. The studio’s new approach involves keeping films exclusively in cinemas for a minimum of five weekends in 2026, with the window expanding to seven weekends in 2027. This marks a shift from the shortened theatrical windows implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, which typically lasted around three weekends before digital releases. Universal’s updated strategy aims to restore a longer period of cinema exclusivity for its flagship titles. The Odyssey, directed by Nolan, is set to premiere in theaters on July 17, 2026. The film features a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, and John Leguizamo. Its extended theatrical run is expected to enhance its visibility and allow for a more immersive viewing experience. Other Universal films under this revised strategy include Reminders of Him, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Michael, Disclosure Day, Minions & Monsters, Focker In-Law, How to Train Your Dragon 2, and Shrek 5. However, the policy does not apply to films released through Focus Features, Universal’s specialty label, which will continue with its existing theatrical strategies.#universal_pictures #the_odyssey #matt_damon #chris_nolan #tom_holland
SNL's "Oscar Host Auditions" Revealed Matt Damon's Secret Celeb Impressionist Skills In a standout moment from Saturday Night Live Season 44 Episode 9, which aired on December 15, 2018, Matt Damon showcased his uncanny ability to mimic celebrities during the show’s “Oscar Host Auditions” sketch. The pre-taped segment, part of SNL’s annual Oscar-themed special, allowed cast members to highlight their impersonation skills, with Damon delivering two standout performances that remain memorable to this day. Damon’s first impression was of Chris Hemsworth, the Australian actor known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His portrayal was eerily accurate, capturing Hemsworth’s distinctive Australian accent and the actor’s signature cadence. The sketch featured Damon delivering the line, “Host the Oscars? Why would anyone want to look at me?” with the perfect blend of Hemsworth’s sheepishness, followed by a knowing wink at the camera. But Damon’s performance didn’t end there. Near the conclusion of the sketch, he transitioned into an uncanny impersonation of Matthew McConaughey. From his hairstyle to his precise delivery, the impression was so spot-on that it felt as though the Dallas Buyers Club star himself was on screen. Damon’s McConaughey delivered a monologue that blended humor with self-awareness, including the line: “First of all, here’s what happened… I was talking to my hero, who is me in ten years. He said, ‘Matthew, you’re gonna host the Academy Awards.’ What I didn’t realize is I was talking to myself in six years, and what I was actually saying was ten years ago, you’re gonna win an Academy Award. So four years ago, my name was in the envelope — so now I don’t know who I’m talking to.#chris_hemsworth #matt_damon #snl #matthew_mcconaughey #oscar_host_auditions
The Role Matt Damon Always Regrets: The One That Got Away Being an actor often means missing out on roles that feel like they were meant for you, but Matt Damon has rarely had to worry about that. Since his breakout role in Good Will Hunting catapulted him from a relative unknown to an Academy Award winner, he’s been a top-tier casting choice. Yet, despite his success, Damon has had moments of regret over parts he didn’t land, particularly those that felt like they could have defined his career. One of the earliest roles that slipped away was Edward Norton’s in Primal Fear. Damon was acutely aware that the part would be a career-defining role for whoever landed it, and he wasn’t wrong—Norton’s performance earned him critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination. While there’s a surreal alternate reality where Danny Dyer’s audition had succeeded and he played Aaron Stampler, Damon has never dwelled on that possibility. The role, though, remains a footnote in his career, a reminder of how close he came to a breakthrough. As Damon’s stardom grew, the roles came to him rather than the other way around. Even so, there were instances where he had to let go of projects that felt significant. One such case was Avatar, where James Cameron’s vision for the film diverged from Damon’s own. While Damon missed out on the lucrative role of Jake Sully, he hasn’t looked back. The financial windfall he forwent was considerable, but he’s content with the path his career took instead. The role that left the deepest mark, however, was in Milk, a biographical drama directed by Gus Van Sant. Damon had already signed on to the project, which was set to reunite him with Van Sant after their work on Good Will Hunting and Gerry. The script was compelling, and Damon had done his research, but the project faced an unexpected hurdle.#josh_brolin #matt_damon #gus_van_sant #sean_penn #avatar
Matt Damon’s Oscar-Nominated Film ‘Invictus’ Still Resonates 17 Years Later Matt Damon, one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars, has earned critical acclaim for his roles in a range of acclaimed films, but his only Oscar nomination came for his work in Clint Eastwood’s 2009 sports drama Invictus. The film, which follows Nelson Mandela’s efforts to unite South Africa through rugby, is based on John Carlin’s book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Made a Nation. Eastwood directed the project, with a screenplay by Anthony Peckham, and it marked one of the most expensive films in the director’s career. Despite its global success, Invictus remains unavailable for streaming in the U.S., though it consistently ranks in the top 10 of video-on-demand charts on Apple TV in several international markets. The film received widespread praise, with critics scoring it 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and audiences rating it 75%. It grossed $122 million worldwide against a $60 million production budget, solidifying its status as a commercial and critical hit. Damon’s performance in the film, which earned him an Academy Award nomination, showcased his ability to portray complex historical figures with emotional depth. The project also highlighted Eastwood’s skill in blending sports drama with themes of reconciliation and national unity. While Invictus remains a standout in Damon’s filmography, the actor has continued to take on challenging roles in both action and drama. His upcoming project, a retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey directed by Christopher Nolan, promises to be his most ambitious role yet. Damon will star as Odysseus, with a star-studded cast including Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, and Charlize Theron. The film is scheduled for release on July 17, marking a significant milestone in Damon’s career.#apple_tv #matt_damon #clint_eastwood #nelson_mandela #the_odyssey
