When it comes to summer blockbusters this year, few can rival the hype building around Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Releasing on July 17, the major Hollywood epic—based on the Greek saga by Homer dating to antiquity—features a stacked cast including (but not limited to) Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Tom Holland, and Charlize Theron.
The early reviews are in, however, and a standout performance comes courtesy of Samantha Morton, who portrays Circe in the film. “What drew me to the project would have been just Christopher Nolan, first of all,” says the English actor, whose Circe is a powerful enchantress. “However, I came to be in a room with Christopher Nolan—and not only meet him, but get this part and work with him—has just been incredible. I just wanted to make the most of every moment, so I wasn’t really thinking about whether it would be buzzy or not.”
Morton’s scene-stealing performance in the film is, indeed, buzzy. Serving as a powerful obstacle to Odysseus (Damon’s titular character), Circe is one of the most notable—and dangerous—characters in the entire film, which served as an extremely fun acting challenge for Morton. (After all: Who doesn’t want to play the villain?). “Circe is everything: She’s young, old, wise, vulnerable, strong, fierce, terrifying,” says Morton. “I got to really flex the acting muscles playing with all of those emotions—it’s such a phenomenal role.”
When it came time to cultivate her press tour fashions for the film, meanwhile, it was only natural that Morton also looked to striking designs that evoked a similar sense of strength and dynamism. This month, Morton has been working with stylist Karen Clarkson to channel Circe through all of her high-fashion premiere looks. “We needed to do Circe and the part justice,” says Morton. “She is seductive, dangerous, and she holds so much power.”
