Christopher Nolan likens Samantha Morton's performance in The Odyssey to Heath Ledger's portrayal in The Dark Knight.

      Samantha Morton may have limited screen time in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, but the director believes she made a significant impact.

      In a spoiler-laden interview with The Los Angeles Times, Nolan discussed how he adjusted Morton's schedule to feature her as the Greek goddess Circe, expressing his satisfaction with that decision.

      "I’ve always respected Samantha’s talent. She brings remarkable depth to her character, and she has no boundaries in her performance," he shared with the publication. "After one of her performances, the crew gave her a heartfelt round of applause."

      He recalled a conversation with his wife and producing partner, Emma Thomas, who remarked that "the last time that had occurred was with Heath Ledger during The Dark Knight."

      Morton also lauded Nolan in her statements.

      "Christopher Nolan is undoubtedly a genius at what he does, and for me, it’s completely transformative to have the opportunity to enhance my craft, as I’m constantly learning," she told People at the London premiere of the film. "At 49 years old, I’m still learning, still improving. I felt deeply honored and privileged to be in a situation where I could grow alongside a master."

      The Dark Knight was Nolan’s greatest achievement when it was released. The 2008 sequel to 2005’s Batman Begins featured Ledger’s portrayal of a cunning version of The Joker, whose apparent insanity often masks an exceptional ability for strategy.

      It is generally considered among the finest superhero films ever made, if not the best.

      Ledger, who passed away in 2008, was awarded a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role.

      Samantha Morton has received significant acclaim for both her performances in major films like Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report and smaller projects like Anton Corbijn’s Control, where she portrayed Deborah Curtis, the deceived wife of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis.

      Morton was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her nearly wordless role in Woody Allen’s 1999 film Sweet and Lowdown and for Best Actress for her portrayal of an Irish immigrant mother in Jim Sheridan’s 2002 film In America.

      Critics who have reviewed The Odyssey agree that she shines in her minimalist portrayal of Circe. The Independent's Jacob Stolworthy stated that she "steals the show with the limited scenes she occupies."

      Andrew J. Salazar of Discussing Film added, "Samantha Morton’s segment in The Odyssey could be the highlight of the entire film, and it’s something we’ll be discussing for years. If you know, you know. Nolan reveals a side he hasn’t showcased before."

      Regarding the casting of Matt Damon in The Odyssey, he plays the central role of Odysseus, chronicling his arduous journey home from war. Nolan has previously collaborated with Damon on Interstellar and Oppenheimer.

      "I’ve worked with Matt twice before, and he has such a strong rapport with the audience; he attracts them," Nolan said to the Times. "For this complex character, you need an actor who can truly embody the role and be transparent with the audience. You want viewers to experience his journey through his many errors—of which he has many. Matt was everyman in The Martian, a kind of superhero in the Jason Bourne franchise, and Odysseus represents part everyman, part superhero."

      The Odyssey also features Anne Hathaway as Odysseus’ wife, Penelope; Robert Pattinson as the aggressive suitor Antinous; Tom Holland as Telemachus, Odysseus’ son; and Zendaya as Athena. The cast includes Jon Bernthal, Travis Scott, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, and several others.

      The film follows Nolan’s 2023 epic Oppenheimer, which grossed over a billion dollars and received seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Nolan, Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr.

      The Odyssey is set to hit theaters on July 17, released by Universal Pictures.

      Main image: Matt Damon as Odysseus in The Odyssey.

      Editor's Note: Includes updates with Morton’s remarks to People.